World Athletics extends ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes

World Athletics confirmed on 4‑5 July 2026 that Russian and Belarusian athletes, coaches and officials will remain excluded from international track‑and‑field competitions for the next four years. The council said the sanctions protect the integrity and fairness of events and noted that no concrete progress toward peace in Ukraine has been achieved. President Sebastian Coe said, "We presented several options to the Council, but the initial decision to protect the integrity and fairness of our competitions remains in force."

The decision was taken despite the International Olympic Committee lifting restrictions on Belarusian athletes and other sport federations – gymnastics, judo, swimming – reinstating both nations. The eight‑year doping ban on the Russian Athletics Federation was also lifted after compliance with reinstatement requirements. The ban will stay in place ahead of the European Championships in Birmingham.

The continuation of the ban underscores the ongoing sporting repercussions of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and affects athletes from Russia and Belarus across all major international meets.