World Athletics Maintains Russia Ban Ahead of CAS Case

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe said the governing body will maintain its ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials, imposed after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, arguing that the policy protects the integrity of competition rather than targeting athletes’ nationality. Russia’s athletics federation has filed a new appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport seeking to overturn the sanctions, restore its organizational rights and enable athletes to pursue qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Coe declined to discuss World Athletics’ legal strategy but acknowledged that the dispute must eventually be resolved and said full global participation remains the sport’s long-term objective. The position contrasts with the International Olympic Committee and several other sports federations, which have eased restrictions or allowed Russian athletes to compete in some events; Ukraine has criticized the IOC’s approach as premature.