Russian Athletics files new claim against sanctions

The Russian Athletics Federation has initiated a new claim against sanctions imposed by World Athletics, following the country's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. This move comes as the sanctions restrict Russian and Belarusian athletes from competing internationally. Russian Athletics asserts that these sanctions infringe on their rights and impede their ability to represent Russian athletes effectively on an international level.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) provisionally lifted Russia's suspension in July, potentially allowing the country to participate in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), based in Lausanne, Switzerland, will review the dispute. World Athletics has imposed unprecedented sanctions, according to Boris Yaryshevskiy, CEO of Russian Athletics.

These restrictions not only hinder the federation's normal operations but also stifle the development of athletics in Russia, particularly among young athletes, preventing proper representation of the sport internationally. Russian Athletics vows to defend its rights, challenging the sanctions through the courts and continuing its efforts to rectify the situation.

A separate appeal was filed on July 9, contesting World Athletics' decision to extend the ban on Russian athletes from participating in international events. Other sporting federations, such as World Gymnastics, World Aquatics, and World Boxing, have eased restrictions on Russian athletes competing. Some Russian and Belarusian athletes have even competed as neutrals at the 2024 Paris Games and the 2024 Winter Olympics in Milan.