Russian Athletics Federation appeals World Athletics ban to CAS

Published: July 10, 2026 — 04:37 am IST | Lausanne Source: AFP

The Russian athletics federation announced on Thursday (July 9, 2026) that it will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to challenge World Athletics' (WA) decision to extend the blanket ban on Russian track and field athletes.

"Russian Athletics notes that World Athletics' decision affects the fundamental interests of athletics in Russia and restricts Russian athletes' right to compete, on grounds that Russian Athletics considers discriminatory," the federation said in a statement.

World Athletics responded: "We take note of the Russian athletics federation's appeal to CAS, and we will be strenuously defending our position."

Background of the Ban

Last Friday, WA confirmed that the ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes — imposed in March 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine — would remain in place.

WA President Sebastian Coe stated that the body's Council Meeting had "been consequential and methodical in reviewing the sanctions imposed on Russia and Belarus and in identifying a conditional pathway back into international competition."

"We presented options for the Council to consider on this matter, however, the original decision remains on the sanctions that protect the integrity and fairness of our competitions, with no tangible movement towards peace negotiations having materialised," Coe added.

Contrast with Other Federations

WA's stance differs from other international sports bodies. World Gymnastics and the International Skating Union are among the latest to ease restrictions on Russian athletes.

These decisions preceded this week's announcement by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that, under strict conditions, Russian athletes would be allowed to compete in team events and qualifying competitions for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

"We made it clear that we wanted to ensure all athletes have the possibility to compete at the Olympic Games and not be held responsible for their government's actions," said IOC President Kirsty Coventry following an Executive Board meeting in Lausanne.

IOC Conditions and Ukraine's Response

The IOC maintained the ban on the Russian national anthem and flag for the time being. Returning Russian athletes must also pass "multiple" doping tests before being permitted to compete.

The IOC stated that individual sports could decide whether to allow the flag and anthem at their own events or stage competitions in Russia.

Ukraine condemned the IOC decision as "premature" and "unfounded," as Moscow's invasion continues into its fifth year.

Impact on Ukrainian Athletics

World Athletics examined the conflict's impact on athletics in Ukraine.

"The dedicated fund that World Athletics established in 2022 to support Ukraine is helping ameliorate some of that impact, but there is no doubt the ability of Ukraine and its athletes to train and compete remains severely compromised," WA said.

Coe has indicated that if a peace agreement is reached, sport should not stand in the way of the Russians' return. However, the conflict has left a deep impression on him following a visit to Ukraine.

"When you get to Kyiv (train station), there's probably 50 or 60 ambulances and hearses waiting on the platform," Coe told AFP in an interview last year.

"Families waiting for the news. They have two carriages, mobile operating theatres and intensive care units, where amputations are taking place as the train's coming back.

"So, sorry, it's not something I could ever really be neutral about."