Coe stands firm on Russia sanctions as athletics federation challenges ban

World Athletics president Sebastian Coe has reaffirmed the governing body's position on sanctions against Russia as the Russian Athletics Federation challenges the restrictions at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Speaking in Budapest on Sunday, Coe said his stance remained unchanged and linked it to protecting the integrity of competition, BBC Sport reported.

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Russian and Belarusian athletes have been excluded from international track and field competition by World Athletics since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. The Russian federation has filed a new claim at CAS, arguing that the continuing sanctions infringe its rights and stop it from fully representing Russian athletes internationally.

Coe has committed to attending the hearing to help make World Athletics' case. Addressing the issue at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship, he described his position as consistent with principles he had held since his early involvement in athlete representation. He rejected the idea that the restrictions were a matter of politics or nationality, while saying the dispute needed to be resolved and that the ultimate objective was global participation in athletics.

His planned appearance has drawn criticism from Russian Athletics executive director Boris Yaryshevsky. In an interview with Russian news agency TASS last week, cited by the BBC, Yaryshevsky argued that Coe's decision to attend reflected a personal position rather than that of World Athletics. That was the Russian official's characterisation; Coe presented his remarks on Sunday as a defence of the governing body's approach.

The legal challenge could have consequences for participation at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. According to the BBC, a ruling in the Russian federation's favour could open a route for Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete. That remains a possible consequence of the proceedings, rather than a confirmed change to their eligibility or an announced outcome of the case.

Athletics continues to take a different approach from several other sports. The BBC reported that the International Olympic Committee provisionally lifted Russia's suspension in July, while World Gymnastics, World Aquatics and World Boxing removed restrictions this year. Some Russian and Belarusian competitors took part as neutrals at the Paris Olympics in 2024 and this year's Winter Olympics in Milan.