The general secretary of Ethiopia's anti-doping agency has revealed nine of the country's runners, five of them leading athletes, are under investigation for doping.
Solomon Meaza told The Associated Press his agency is investigating the five athletes he described as high-profile after they returned suspicious results in doping tests.
He says the IAAF has requested contact details for the other four and the world body is investigating them.
Solomon declined to name the athletes or give details of the substances they are suspected of using as investigations are ongoing.
But he says: "There is a real concern when the upcoming investigations arrive."
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The Ethiopian cases will be another blow to the sport following major doping scandals in Russia and Kenya in the build-up to the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
