World Athletics reinstated VFLA membership, but extended the suspension of athletes from tournaments
The Council of the International Association of Athletics Federations (World Athletics) has restored the membership of the All-Russian Athletics Federation (ARAF). The organization announced this during a press conference on the World Athletics YouTube channel.
At the same time, the suspension of Russian athletes from competitions under the auspices of the organization was extended. Thus, they will not be able to take part in the qualification for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. “Over the next few weeks, we will formulate the conditions under which the suspension of Russia and Belarus can be lifted,” said World Athletics President Sebastian Coe.
On February 17, Coe spoke about the conditions for the return of Russian athletes to international tournaments. He noted that the discussion of the possibility of allowing athletes to compete in a neutral status will begin only after Russian athletics solves doping problems.
In 2015, the membership of the All-Russian Athletics Federation (VFLA) in World Athletics was suspended due to systematic violations of anti-doping rules by Russians. Domestic athletes could compete in international competitions only after receiving individual permits and in a neutral status.
Source: Lenta
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