The head of world athletics' governing body believes Linford Christie has not taken drugs - but his case will still be heard.

International Amateur Athletic Federation general secretary Istvan Gyulai believes the former Olympic champion has not taken drugs.

But he has told the BBC that his organisation has to act if any athlete tests positive for a banned substance.

Christie has been cleared by UK Athletics of using nandrolone despite failing a drugs test following a meeting in Germany a year ago.

But the IAAF have insisted the 39-year-old's case be referred to its own arbitration panel, which is expected to sit in April.

Gyulai was responding to Christie's latest comments on the case.

The veteran sprinter, currently coaching talented British athletes in Sydney, is unhappy with his treatment by the IAAF.

He says there is an atmosphere of jealousy and prejudice against him.

If found guilty Christie faces a mandatory two-year ban by the IAAF, which will also prevent him coaching.

His Team Linford organisation are currently using impressive facilities at Sydney's Academy of Sport.

The IAAF have denied claims of a conspiracy and say they have to follow the rules.

"I really believe that Linford has not taken anything," Gyulai told BBC Radio 5 Live's Inside Edge programme.

"But if there is a banned substance in your body that is a doping offence."

The arbitration panel will be looking to establish whether Christie had taken a food supplement when he tested positive.

Christie said: "I have never done anything wrong. I have never taken drugs intentionally to improve or enhance my performance whatsoever. I am sick of this stupidness."

Two other Britons, Doug Walker and Gary Cadogan, have also been cleared by the UK authorities despite positive nandrolone tests.

They're international cases are likely to be heard at the same time as Christie's.