The Nike Oregon Project has been closed down after head coach Alberto Salazar was banned for four years after being found guilty of doping violations.

In a statement, a Nike spokesperson said the Salazar situation had become “an unfair burden” on athletes on the elite training programme.

The NOP’s website and social media channels have been taken down.

“Nike has always tried to put the athlete and their needs at the front of all of our decisions,” Nike added.

“This situation including uninformed innuendo and unsubstantiated assertions has become an unfair burden for current OP athletes. That is exactly counter to the purpose of the team.

“We have therefore made the decision to wind down the Oregon Project to allow the athletes to focus on their training and competition needs. We will help all of our athletes in this transition as they choose the coaching set up that is right for them.”

On Friday, Nike chief executive Mark Parker sent an internal memo calling the Salazar situation a “distraction” for NOP athletes.