BERLIN (AP):

The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) is still awaiting information on a ruling that cleared five Jamaican athletes of doping and a decision on their participation in the World Championships is likely to come close to Saturday's opening.

"We are following the matter. We are not saying anything today," IAAF Secretary General Pierre Weiss said at the federation's congress yesterday.

The IAAF would have liked to have dealt with the issue well ahead of their biennial championships and has been sharply critical of the way the Jamaicans have addressed the situation and the lack of urgency with which they have been transmitting information.

"It is an amazing situation we are facing," said IAAF council member Helmut Digel.

Jamaica's Anti-Doping Commission said on Monday it will appeal a ruling that had cleared five Jamaicans after a disciplinary panel appointed by the island's sports minister found there wasn't enough evidence for substance abuse.

The runners had previously been identified as Yohan Blake, Sheri-Ann Brooks, Allodin Fothergill, Lansford Spence and Marvin Anderson.

They reportedly tested positive for the stimulant methylhexanamine.

Provisional list

Sheri-Ann Brooks

The disciplinary panel cleared Brooks last week and she is on the provisional list to compete in the 100 metres on Sunday.

The IAAF had hoped to receive information from the Jamaican federation right after Monday's ruling and has a review panel ready to assess the case at short notice. As long as no information is forthcoming, it cannot tackle the issue.

Although the case does not involve any of the outstanding Olympic sprint medallists from the Beijing Olympics, it does cast a negative light on the federation itself.

( l - r ) Allodin Fothergill, Marvin Anderson