Sebastian Coe defends exclusion of Russian athletes from competitions

In March 2022, following the invasion of Ukraine, Russian athletes were banned from international athletics. On September 13, 2026, Sebastian Coe, President of World Athletics, reiterated this exclusion, stating it protects the integrity of the sport. The ban will remain until progress is made in peace negotiations. The Russian Athletics Federation has appealed this decision, viewing Coe's involvement in the upcoming court hearing as personal.