The IOC confirmed on its website Saturday night that unannounced out-of-competition doping tests have been conducted on a number of Austrian cross country and biathlon athletes.

"The IOC has acted on information it received in a report given to it by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) which indicates the possible presence of Walther Mayer in the private accommodation of the Austrian biathlon and cross country teams," said the statement.

"Given that Mr. Mayer has been declared ineligible to participate in all Olympic Games up to and including Vancouver 2010, based on his involvement in blood manipulation offences committed in Salt Lake City 2002, the IOC is fulfilling its responsibility to conduct anti-doping controls on athletes who might have been under his influence.

"The IOC can also confirm that it transmitted the WADA report to the Italian authorities for their information and subsequent follow up as they deem appropriate."

(Xinhua News Agency February 19, 2006)