Russian Athletics Federation Takes Ban to Court of Arbitration for Sport

The Russian athletics federation (Russian Athletics) has filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne to overturn World Athletics’ ban on Russian and Belarusian track‑and‑field athletes. The ban, imposed in March 2022 after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, remains in force despite the International Olympic Committee’s recent easing of restrictions for the 2028 Los Angeles Games, allowing Russian athletes to compete under a neutral status but still barring the national flag and anthem.

Russian Athletics described the sanction as “discriminatory” and said it “affects the fundamental interests of athletics in Russia and restricts Russian athletes’ right to compete.” World Athletics replied that it will “strenuously defend” its position, emphasizing that the sanctions protect the integrity and fairness of competition. President Sebastian Coe noted that a conditional pathway back to competition was discussed but not adopted, and that no tangible progress toward peace has altered the decision.

The CAS proceeding may take several months, and the outcome will determine whether Russian athletes can once again take part in international events under their own flag or continue under a neutral designation.