The Russian Athletics Federation (RAF) continues to appeal to World Athletics for reinstatement. RAF is seeking the opportunity to compete internationally, and has filed a claim against World Athletics’ continued ban related to the Ukraine War.
World Athletics has maintained sanctions against Russia and Belarus since November 2015 for systematic doping violations. The organization has banned the RAF since 2022 for the invasion of Ukraine. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) disagrees with World Athletics’ position.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry has emphasized that individual athletes “should have the chance to participate in international events and the upcoming Los Angeles Games.”
“The Council and the Working Group on the status of Russians/Belarusians in International Competitions & Events have been consequential and methodical in reviewing the sanctions imposed on Russia and Belarus and in identifying a conditional pathway back into international competition,” President Sebastian Coe said in July.
After the IOC lifted its sanctions on the RAF in July, it stated that the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) is no longer in violation of the organization’s charter. Several global governing bodies have since moved to welcome back Russian athletes.
“The sanctions against Russian Athletics are unprecedented. No other sports federation faces such severe restrictions,” Boris Yaryshevskiy, chief executive director of the RAF, wrote in a statement to Reuters.
RAF first challenged the decision in July. The organization lodged renewed appeals filed last week with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). RAF argued that the sanctions infringe on the federation’s rights.
“They not only hinder the federation’s normal operation but also hold back the development of athletics in Russia, particularly among young athletes. Preventing us from properly representing our sport in the international arena,” Yaryshevskiy said.
Russia has not competed under its own flag at a world athletics championship since 2015.
A program allowing its athletes to compete under a neutral flag ended in 2022, after the invasion of Ukraine.
No Russians competed in the athletics portion of the Olympics at the 2024 Paris Games because the qualification system is overseen by World Athletics. This is separate from the IOC decision that allowed neutral athletes in other sports.
