World Athletics president Sebastian Coe has reaffirmed that the organization will not alter its position on the sanctions imposed on Russia, even as the Russian Athletics Federation challenges the decision in a legal dispute. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, athletes from Russia and Belarus have been excluded from international track and field events. The Russian Athletics Federation has taken its case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas), arguing that the sanctions infringe on its rights and prevent it from representing Russian athletes globally. If Cas rules in favor of the Russian federation, it could allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Coe has stated that the issue is not about politics or nationality, but about maintaining the integrity of competition. He has pledged to attend the Cas hearing in support of World Athletics' position, emphasizing that his stance on the importance of fair competition has remained consistent throughout his career. He aims to ensure that athletes from all countries can compete on a global stage. However, Russian Athletics' executive director, Boris Yaryshevsky, criticized Coe's decision to attend the hearing, suggesting it reflects a personal view rather than an official stance of the federation. World Athletics’ position contrasts with that of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which lifted Russia’s suspension in July 2024, potentially allowing the country to compete in the 2028 Olympics. Other major sports organizations, such as World Gymnastics, World Aquatics, and World Boxing, have also removed restrictions on Russian athletes in recent years. Some Russian and Belarusian athletes competed under neutral status at the 2024 Paris Games and the 2024 Winter Olympics in Milan. Russian athletes have raised concerns with international sporting and human rights organizations, including the IOC Athletes' Commission and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, about the impact of the four-year ban on their careers. In an open letter dated September 10, they described the exclusion as a form of collective punishment and noted that other sports federations have reintegrated Russian and Belarusian athletes under neutral status. The athletes requested permission from Cas to participate in the appeal process but have not yet received a response. They emphasized the personal cost of the prolonged uncertainty, stating that an athlete's career cannot be put on hold for extended legal proceedings.