World Athletics maintains sanctions against Russia and Belarus

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe has affirmed that the organization will not change its position regarding sanctions against Russian and Belarusian athletes. The decision follows the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which led to the suspension of these athletes from international competitions.

The Russian Athletics federation has filed a new claim with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to challenge these restrictions. The federation argues that the sanctions are “selective and politicised” and prevent them from representing the interests of Russian athletes, specifically regarding qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Coe stated that the policy is not about politics or passports, but rather about the “integrity of competition.” He announced his intention to personally attend the CAS hearing to present the governing body's position. In response, Boris Yarishevsky, executive director of the Russian Athletics federation, criticized the move, suggesting Coe is defending a personal stance rather than an official organizational one.