Spanish newspaper El Pais reported that Al Kamali, expected to stand for election as IAAF vice-president, is being investigated by the world governing body's Ethics Commission.

Al Kamali allegedly offered 40 watches to various delegates who will be able to vote at the Congress, at the recent Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Congress in Addis Ababa.

Under IAAF rules, candidates are prohibited from "giving presents or offering donations or gifts or granting advantages or benefits of whatever nature to or at the request of any party who will vote in, or who may otherwise influence, an election".

Al Kamali, an Egyptian who is also director of the Dubai Marathon, has yet to officially declare his candidacy for the IAAF vice-presidency.

The elections are due to take place on the eve of this year's IAAF World Championships in Beijing in August. 

"Ahmad Al Kamali emphatically denied news circulated by some foreign newspapers that he offered Rolex watches and other items as gifts in order to encourage people to vote for him in the IAAF forthcoming elections," a statement by law firm Herbert Smith Freehills issued on behalf of Al Kamali said.

"The allegations are completely untrue and appear to be nothing more than cheap rumours spread by some in an attempt to discourage him from competing in the elections.

"Due to wise policies adopted by the United Arab Emirates and its excellent position among the world's nations, the UAE has a presence in all international forums and its representatives should be able to stand for elections and be present in any international sports forum without having to be subject to such cheap controversies."

The IAAF have refused to confirm or deny whether a complaint about Al Kamali has been made and they refused to comment when contacted by insidethegames.

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