World Athletics Rejects Turkey's Athlete Recruitment Strategy

The World Athletics Nationality Review Panel denied eleven allegiance transfer requests to Turkey, citing a coordinated recruitment effort by the Turkish government. The denied athletes include high-profile names from Kenya, Jamaica, Nigeria, and Russia. The panel aims to uphold the sport's integrity and prevent exploitation.

The World Athletics Nationality Review Panel has rejected eleven allegiance transfer requests to Turkey. This move was informed by what the panel termed a "coordinated recruitment strategy" orchestrated by the Turkish government to lure overseas athletes with attractive contracts, according to the sport's governing body, World Athletics.

Among the requests turned down were those from five Kenyan athletes, including former marathon world record holder Brigid Kosgei, and four Jamaicans, featuring Olympic medalists Roje Stona and Rajindra Campbell. Others included Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili and Russian heptathlete Sophia Yakushina. The panel determined that approving these bids would compromise the strict eligibility and allegiance rules designed to safeguard the sport's integrity.

World Athletics expressed in a statement that the Turkey scheme was primarily driven by a government-financed club aiming to bolster Turkey's representation in future international competitions, notably the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. The refusal, however, does not stop these athletes from competing in personal or club capacities in other competitions.

(With inputs from agencies.)