Mo Farah claims there is an agenda against him due to link with Alberto Salazar

Mo Farah speaks ahead of the Chicago Marathon. Picture: AFP via Getty Images

Salazar was banned from athletics for four years earlier this month for doping violations following a four-year investigation by the United States Anti-Doping Agency.

Farah worked alongside Salazar at the Nike Oregon Project from 2011-17.

There has never been any suggestion of wrongdoing by Farah but he has hit out at the innuendo that has accompanied his association with the American coach.

Speaking at a media event to preview tomorrow’s Chicago Marathon, Farah said: “As I’ve said all along, I’m probably one of the most tested athletes  in the world. I’m happy to be tested anytime, anywhere.

“Obviously, reading the story all the time – there’s a clear agenda to this. I’ve seen this many times. I know where you’re going with it – I’ve seen it with Raheem Sterling, I’ve seen it with Lewis Hamilton. I can’t win whatever I do. I’m disappointed about you guys making the headlines. It’s not about Mo Farah. This is about Alberto Salazar. What’s it got to do with Mo Farah? It’s not Mo Farah. I’m not Alberto and Alberto can only answer that.”

Yesterday it was announced by Nike that the Oregon Project, which was established in 2001, would be closed down.

The sportswear company said there had been “no orchestrated doping” but felt that “uninformed innuendo and unsubstantiated assertions” had “become an unfair burden” on athletes.

Four-time Olympic champion Farah, 36, said: “I am back in London, I have been out of the Oregon Project for two years. I have based myself in London to focus myself on the marathon and to be with friends and family.

“Obviously it is not my decision to shut down the Oregon Project. That’s Nike, it’s not me. I’m Mo Farah.”

Farah, who is hoping to repeat his 2018 success in  Chicago, defended his record.

He said: “If you look back  at my history and what I did, and you try to take away what I’ve earned through my hard work.

“If you look back, where was I in 2007 [at the World Championships] in Osaka? I was half a second behind a medal. I was leading until the bell, and then got blown away. So what does that tell you? I’ve learnt to win races and control races.”