MOSCOW, RUSSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 August 2026 – Russian Athletics has lodged a new claim with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), challenging the sanctions imposed on the sports federation by World Athletics.
Russian Athletics’ principal aim is to secure the return of Russian athletes to the world sporting arena and to achieve the lifting of sanctions against the federation itself. The current restrictions infringe on the organisation’s rights and prevent it from fully representing the interests of Russian athletes on an international level.
Of particular concern is the selective and politicised nature of the sanctions. A hardline stance towards Russia is declared only by the current head of World Athletics, Sebastian Coe, a former Conservative member of the British Parliament. His decisions have caused significant damage not only to Russian athletics but to global athletics as a whole, undermining the principles of equality and objectivity in sports.
“The sanctions against Russian Athletics are unprecedented. No other sports federation faces such severe restrictions. They not only hinder the federation’s normal operation but also hold back the development of athletics in Russia, particularly among young athletes, preventing us from properly representing our sport in the international arena. That is why we will consistently defend our rights, pursue the lifting of the sanctions through the courts, and continue our work in this direction. We are already preparing our next steps to restore justice,” said Boris Yaryshevskiy, Chief Executive Director of Russian Athletics.
Under the current restrictions, Russian Athletics is unable to send representatives to World Athletics’ working bodies, where rules are shaped and strategic decisions are taken. The federation does not take part in World Athletics Council meetings or votes and, as a result, cannot influence key directions in the development of the global athletics movement.
Russian specialists, meanwhile, are barred from international coaching conferences, seminars and other specialised events, while Russian officials have no access to professional development programmes and are unable to renew their existing international officiating categories or obtain new ones.
The CAS already accepted an earlier claim from Russian Athletics, challenging World Athletics’ decision to extend the suspension of Russian athletes from participating in international competitions held under the auspices of World Athletics. Russian Athletics has engaged experienced international lawyers specialising in sports law, including with proceedings before the CAS, to represent its position in the arbitration proceedings.
Russian Athletics continues to engage in dialogue with international sports bodies and maintains working contacts within World Athletics itself. The federation intends to continue defending the interests of Russian athletes and the country’s entire athletics community, in strict accordance with the norms of international sports law.
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