Russian track and field files new claim with CAS over sanctions imposed by World Athletics
The Russian track and field federation has filed a new appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport to challenge ongoing sanctions imposed by World Athletics. These sanctions, which exclude Russian and Belarusian athletes from international competition, have been in place since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Why it matters
This legal challenge highlights the ongoing tension between international sports governing bodies and Russia, testing the limits of sports diplomacy and the autonomy of federations against geopolitical sanctions.
Russia’s track and field federation filed a new claim with the Court of Arbitration for Sport on Monday to challenge sanctions imposed by World Athletics.
World Athletics excluded all athletes from Russia and its ally Belarus from its international events in March 2022 after Russian forces invaded Ukraine.
The suspension was maintained at a council meeting in July, prompting Russian Athletics to launch a separate appeal with CAS to try and overturn it.
The federation’s new appeal targets restrictions which it says “infringe on the organisation’s rights” and prevents it fully representing Russian athletes’ interests at international level.
“The sanctions against Russian Athletics are unprecedented. No other sports federation faces such severe restrictions,” chief executive director Boris Yaryshevskiy said in the statement. “They not only hinder the federation’s normal operation but also hold back the development of athletics in Russia, particularly among young athletes.”
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