Russia plans to challenge World Athletics' ban at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The Russian athletics federation announced on July 9, 2026, its intention to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in response to World Athletics' (WA) decision to maintain a comprehensive ban on Russian track and field athletes. The federation's statement emphasized that the ongoing restrictions infringe upon the fundamental rights of Russian athletes to compete, labeling the measures as discriminatory.

In a statement regarding the appeal, WA acknowledged the Russian federation's position, asserting their commitment to vigorously defend the sanctions. This announcement follows WA's recent decision to uphold the ban on athletes from Russia and Belarus, which was initially implemented in March 2022 due to Russia's military actions in Ukraine. WA President Sebastian Coe remarked that the organization's Council had conducted a thorough review of the sanctions and explored potential pathways for reinstating athletes, but ultimately decided to maintain the current restrictions to uphold the integrity of competitions.

WA's firm stance diverges from the actions of other sports federations, such as World Gymnastics and the International Skating Union, which have recently relaxed their restrictions on Russian athletes. This shift in policy comes in the wake of the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) announcement that, under specific conditions, Russian athletes would be permitted to participate in team events and qualifying rounds for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. IOC President Kirsty Coventry stated that the organization aims to ensure all athletes have the opportunity to compete, distancing them from the actions of their government.

Despite this development, the IOC has maintained the prohibition on the display of the Russian national anthem and flag at events, requiring that returning athletes undergo multiple doping tests prior to competition. Individual sports federations have been granted the discretion to decide on the inclusion of national symbols at their events or to hold competitions within Russia.

The IOC's decision has drawn criticism from Ukraine, which labeled it as "premature" and "unfounded," especially as the conflict continues into its fifth year. WA has acknowledged the detrimental effects of the war on Ukrainian athletics, noting that a dedicated fund established in 2022 is providing some support, yet the ability of Ukrainian athletes to train and compete remains significantly hindered.

Coe has expressed that should a peace agreement be reached, it would not be the role of sports to obstruct the return of Russian athletes. However, he has been deeply affected by the realities of the conflict, recalling a visit to Kyiv where he witnessed the grim scene of ambulances and hearses awaiting on the train platform, highlighting the human cost of the ongoing war.