Russia to Appeal World Athletics Ban at CAS as Suspension of Athletes Continues

The Russian Athletics Federation has announced plans to file a formal appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) after World Athletics extended its ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes from international competitions.

The federation argued that the continued suspension unfairly discriminates against its athletes and undermines the development of athletics in Russia by denying competitors the opportunity to participate on the international stage.

World Athletics confirmed that the sanctions, first imposed in March 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, will remain in force. World Athletics President Sebastian Coe said the governing body's Council had regularly reviewed the restrictions and considered possible conditions for Russia's eventual return to competition.

However, Coe maintained that the suspension remains necessary to protect the integrity and fairness of athletics, adding that there has been no meaningful progress toward a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

The decision contrasts with the approach taken by several other international sports organisations. World Gymnastics and the International Skating Union have recently relaxed some restrictions on Russian athletes, while the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has approved the participation of eligible Russian athletes as neutrals in certain team events and qualification competitions for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, subject to strict conditions.

Despite those concessions, the IOC has retained key sanctions, including the ban on the Russian flag and national anthem at Olympic events. Athletes must also undergo rigorous anti-doping checks before being cleared to compete, while individual international federations retain the authority to decide whether neutral athletes can participate in their competitions.

Ukrainian officials have criticised the IOC's decision to ease some restrictions, arguing that it is premature while the war continues.

World Athletics also highlighted the ongoing impact of the conflict on Ukrainian athletes, noting that although its humanitarian fund has provided support since 2022, many athletes continue to face major challenges in training and competing safely.

Coe said sport should not stand in the way of Russian athletes returning once a lasting peace agreement is reached. However, he added that his visits to Ukraine had reinforced his belief that the current sanctions remain justified.

Recalling a visit to Kyiv railway station, Coe described witnessing ambulances, hearses and mobile medical facilities receiving casualties from the front lines, saying the humanitarian realities of the war made it impossible for him to remain indifferent.