French anti-dopers target Algerian coach, 800m bronze medallist Sedjati

French anti-doping officers carried out searches at the Paris Olympic Village in a probe targeting Algerian athletics coach Amar Benida and 800m bronze medallist Djamel Sedjati, sources close to the investigation said on Saturday.

Confirming a report in French sports daily L'Equipe, the sources close to the case said that Benida was the focus of the investigation.

Sedjati finished third in the Olympic 800m final on Saturday night at the Stade de France.

"Nothing (important) happened. These are things that athletes can face," Sedjati told a press conference for the medal winners after Saturday's race.

"Thank God it was only a small inconvenience. I was quickly able to get back to normal."

The Paris prosecutor's office and the French Anti-Doping Agency (AFLD) have not commented on the search, which took place on Thursday.

In a statement to news network Al24News, the Algerian Olympic Committee expressed "its deep indignation at malicious attempts aimed at tarnishing the image of the Algerian runner Djamel Sedjati, victim of unjustified attacks by certain sports media."