World Athletics has rejected 11 athletes’ attempts to switch allegiance to Turkey, describing the move as a government‑driven recruitment scheme.
The applications, channelled through a state‑financed club, were ruled inconsistent with eligibility rules and aimed at boosting Turkey’s medal prospects for Los Angeles 2028.
The group included five Kenyans — among them former marathon world record‑holder Brigid Kosgei, four Jamaicans led by Olympic discus champion Roje Stona, plus Nigeria’s Favour Ofili and Russian Sophia Yakushina.
Turkey, which won eight medals but no golds at Paris 2024, will now be unable to field the athletes at international competitions.
World Athletics said the coordinated nature of the transfers compromised the principles of allegiance regulations, closing the door on Turkey’s bid to fast‑track elite talent into its national team.
