Russian Athletics Challenges World Athletics Sanctions

The Russian Athletics Federation has initiated a new claim with the Court of Arbitration for Sport to contest the sanctions enforced by World Athletics. These sanctions have barred athletes from Russia and Belarus from participating in international competitions since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Russian Athletics argues that the sanctions violate the organization's rights and hinder its ability to represent Russian athletes globally. The federation's chief executive director highlighted that these restrictions are unprecedented and detrimental to the development of athletics in Russia, particularly for young athletes.

In July, the International Olympic Committee provisionally lifted Russia's suspension, which could allow participation in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Russian Athletics had previously filed a separate appeal against the World Athletics Council's decision to extend the ban on Russian athletes.