A setback for several international athletes. The World Athletics Federation has rejected 11 requests to change their nationality to Turkey.
Among the athletes involved are top-level athletes from Kenya, Jamaica and Nigeria, including marathon runner Brigid Kosgei and Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili.
According to the body, these requests are part of a coordinated strategy by Turkish authorities to attract foreign talent through contracts deemed very advantageous.
A system which, according to World Athletics, could call into question the eligibility rules and the fairness of international competitions.
Since 2019, the rules governing changes of nationality have been strengthened in order to guarantee a real link between athletes and the country they represent.
The objective: to preserve the integrity of the sport and avoid abuses linked to recruitment motivated solely by financial interests.
Despite this refusal, the athletes concerned will be able to continue training and participate in certain competitions, but without representing Turkey.
