Meeting on Wednesday and Thursday, the World Athletics Council studied the case of Russian and Belarusian athletesSeveral options were presented to the Council regarding possible updates to the sanctions imposed since 2022, and the body decided to maintain its course: Russian and Belarusian athletes, officials, and support staff remain excluded from international competitionsA major blow for both countries one year before the World Championships in Beijing (September 11-19, 2027), but especially in view of the qualifications for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
« The Council and the working group on the status of Russians and Belarusians in international competitions demonstrated rigor and method in examining the sanctions (…) as well as in identifying a conditional path back to international competitionWe presented the Council with several options for consideration on this issue; however, the initial decision regarding sanctions aimed at to protect the integrity and fairness of our competitions remains in effect, no concrete progress towards peace negotiations not having materialized " explains President Sebastian Coe in a statement.
World Athletics also cites the consequences of the war on Ukrainian athletics that holds the top spot. " There is no doubt that the ability of Ukraine and its athletes to train and compete remains severely compromised. " the International Federation emphasizes to complete its justification.
