World Athletics Maintains Ban on Russian Athletes, Says President Coe

World Athletics president Sebastian Coe has confirmed that the organization's position on sanctions against Russian athletes remains unchanged. This stance has been in effect since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which led to a ban on athletes from Russia and Belarus from international track and field competitions.

The Russian Athletics Federation has recently submitted a new appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport to contest these sanctions. Coe emphasized that the issue is centered on maintaining the integrity of competition rather than political considerations.

Should the Court rule in favor of the Russian Athletics Federation, it could pave the way for Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in the upcoming 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Coe plans to attend the hearing to advocate for World Athletics' position, which contrasts with the International Olympic Committee's recent decision to provisionally lift Russia's suspension.