World Athletics Blocks Kenyan Athletes’ Switch to Türkiye

World Athletics has blocked several high-profile athletes from switching allegiance to Türkiye, citing concerns about the integrity of international competition and its eligibility rules.

The decision affects five Kenyan runners, including former women’s marathon world record holder Brigid Kosgei and former 5,000 metres world silver medallist Ronald Kwemoi. Also included are Catherine Relin Amanang’ole, a half-marathon bronze medallist at the 2023 World Athletics Road Running Championships in Riga, along with Brian Kibor and Nelvin Jepkemboi. 

Athletes from other countries are also impacted, including Jamaican competitors Rajindra Campbell, Jaydon Hibbert, Wayne Pinnock and Rojé Stona, Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili, and Russian athlete Sophia Yakushina. World Athletics said the applications formed part of a coordinated recruitment effort led by the Turkish government through a state-funded athletics club. 

It said that the approach involved offering financial incentives to attract overseas athletes, with the aim of strengthening Türkiye’s team for major events such as the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. The governing body said such practices conflict with its regulations, which are intended to protect the credibility of international competition, support the development of domestic athletes, and ensure that national teams are not built through external recruitment. 

Under the ruling, the athletes may continue to live and train in Türkiye and compete in individual meetings or road races, but they are not permitted to represent the country in official international competitions. 

World Athletics maintains that its rules are designed to preserve fair competition and uphold the principles governing national representation in sport.