Sebastian Coe confirms World Athletics maintains ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes

World Athletics president Sebastian Coe confirmed Sunday that the governing body will not lift the ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes currently in place. The organization implemented these sanctions in March 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine and has maintained them through July of this year. While the International Olympic Committee recently indicated that Russian athletes will be permitted to compete in qualifying events for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, World Athletics remains committed to its original policy. The Russian Athletics federation has challenged the sanctions at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, labeling the restrictions as selective and politicized. Coe, speaking in Budapest, stated that the decision focuses on the integrity of competition rather than politics. He intends to attend court proceedings personally to defend the federation's position on the matter.

• 1:31 PMYahoo Sports — World Athletics chief Seb Coe: 'We stand firm against Russian athletes taking part'
• 12:47 PMYahoo Sports — World Athletics' view on Russia unchanged - Coe
• 12:47 PMBBC Sport — World Athletics' stance on Russian athletes 'won't change' - Coe
• 11:05 AMYahoo Sports — World Athletics stance on Russia unchanged, says Coe