World Athletics Extends Ban on Russian Belarusian Athletes

MOSCOW: (Sports Desk) – World Athletics has decided to keep its ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes in place, four years after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

WA President Sebastian Coe said the Council reviewed possible options for a return to international competition but concluded that sanctions must remain to protect the fairness and integrity of athletics events. He said there has been no meaningful progress towards peace negotiations.

The decision comes despite the International Olympic Committee urging sports bodies in May to allow Belarusian athletes back into competition while maintaining restrictions on Russia. Some federations, including World Gymnastics and the International Skating Union, have recently eased their rules for athletes from the two countries.

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World Athletics said the war continues to seriously affect Ukrainian athletes’ ability to train and compete. The governing body added that its support fund for Ukraine, established in 2022, is helping athletes but cannot fully offset the impact of the conflict.

Coe said Russian athletes could return if a peace agreement is reached, but stressed that sport cannot ignore the human cost of the war in Ukraine.