World Athletics to defend its stance at Court of Arbitration for Sport against Russian challenge

Russian Athletics has filed a new claim with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), seeking to overturn the sanctions imposed on the national federation by World Athletics (WA). The appeal, submitted on behalf of the Russian Athletics Federation, argues that the punitive measures—banning the country from major competitions and restricting its athletes—were applied in violation of established procedural safeguards and international sporting law.

World Athletics has confirmed that it will contest the claim, maintaining that the sanctions were justified by a sustained pattern of doping violations and breaches of the federation’s compliance obligations. Officials from WA stated that the organization will present evidence of the federation’s failure to meet the required anti‑doping standards and will argue that the measures were proportionate and necessary to protect the integrity of the sport.

The outcome of the CAS hearing will determine whether Russia can regain full participation rights in upcoming international athletics events. Both parties have indicated that they will adhere to the court’s procedural timeline, with the decision expected within the coming months.