Sebastian Coe, head of World Athletics, has reaffirmed the organization’s unwavering position on sanctions affecting Russian and Belarusian athletes, despite legal challenges from the Russian Athletics Federation. These athletes have been excluded from international competition since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
The Russian Athletics Federation has escalated its dispute by submitting a new claim to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to contest the sanctions. However, Coe emphasized that the governing body’s stance remains firm, stating, “There is no change to our position. This is not about politics or passports—it’s about preserving the integrity of competition.”
Russian Athletics argues that the restrictions infringe upon their organizational rights and hinder their ability to represent athletes internationally. If the CAS rules in favor of the federation, it could pave the way for Russian and Belarusian competitors to participate in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Eager to defend World Athletics’ stance, Coe, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, plans to attend the CAS hearing. At the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest, the 69-year-old emphasized, “Since I was 18, every role I’ve taken—from the first IOC athletes’ commission to my current position—has centered on integrity and fair competition. That remains my priority, and our position will not shift.”
He further noted the necessity of resolving the dispute to ensure “a full complement of athletes from around the world” compete globally. Russian Athletics executive director Boris Yaryshevsky criticized Coe’s approach, suggesting his court appearance reflects a personal agenda rather than a collective federation stance.
World Athletics’ policy diverges from other sports organizations. The International Olympic Committee recently eased Russia’s restrictions, and federations like World Gymnastics, World Aquatics, and World Boxing have already reinstated Russian athletes. At the 2024 Paris Olympics and 2024 Milan Winter Games, some Russian and Belarusian competitors participated under neutral flags.