World Athletics has rejected applications from 11 top athletes seeking to switch their nationality to Turkey, citing concerns over what it described as a coordinated recruitment effort.
According to the governing body, the requests appeared to be part of a state-backed strategy to lure international talent with lucrative contracts, raising questions about the integrity of nationality transfer rules in athletics.
The group included high-profile names such as former marathon world record-holder Brigid Kosgei and Olympic discus champion Roje Stona, who won gold at the 2024 Summer Olympics. Athletes from Kenya, Jamaica, Nigeria, and Russia were all among those denied.
In its decision, World Athletics warned that approving the transfers would undermine the principles behind its eligibility and allegiance rules. It emphasized that the applications—linked to a government-funded club—were aimed at fast-tracking athletes to compete for Turkey in future events, including the 2028 Summer Olympics.
The panel reviewed all cases together, noting clear similarities, and concluded that the approach conflicted with the sport’s regulations. As a result, none of the athletes will be eligible to represent Turkey in international competitions.
The ruling comes after Turkey failed to secure a gold medal at the Paris Games, despite winning eight medals overall.
