The Russian Athletics Federation has described the restrictions as “politicized” and undermining the principle of equality in sports
The Russian Athletics Federation (RUSAF) has lodged a second claim against World Athletics (WA), challenging what it described as a “politicized” ban on Russians in international competitions.
RUSAF filed its previous appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) last month after the governing body reaffirmed the sweeping restrictions it imposed on Russia and Belarus following the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022. WA said the two federations would only be readmitted after Moscow and Kiev reach a peace agreement.
The ban was extended despite the International Olympic Committee (IOC) clearing the way for the reinstatement of Russian and Belarusian athletes.
In a statement on Monday, RUSAF argued that the sanctions undermine the “principles of equality and objectivity in sports” and have been promoted largely by WA President Sebastian Coe, a former British MP.
“The sanctions against Russian Athletics are unprecedented. No other sports federation faces such severe restrictions,” RUSAF Chief Executive Director Boris Yaryshevskiy said. “We will consistently defend our rights [and] pursue the lifting of the sanctions through the courts.”
This is not the first time Russia has challenged sports bans in court. It appealed to the CAS after the International Ski and Snowboard Federation refused to lift restrictions on Russian para-athletes despite the International Paralympic Committee reinstating them in 2025. The legal challenge ultimately cleared the way for Russians to compete at the 2026 Winter Paralympics, where they won eight gold medals.
In recent months, a number of international federations, including World Aquatics, World Gymnastics, and the International Fencing Federation, have also restored Russian and Belarusian participation under their respective flags and anthems.
