World Athletics Blocks 11 Athlete Transfers to Türkiye Over “Recruitment Strategy” Concerns
World Athletics has dealt a significant blow to Türkiye’s ambitions for the 2028 Olympic Games. On April 16, 2026, the organization’s Nationality Review Panel officially refused the applications of 11 athletes seeking to transfer their allegiance to Türkiye, citing concerns over the integrity of international competition.
The decision comes after the panel identified what it described as a “coordinated recruitment strategy” led by the Turkish government. According to the official press release from World Athletics, the government utilized a wholly-owned and financed club to attract overseas athletes with lucrative contracts, aiming to assemble a competitive squad for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
The Panel’s Ruling: Protecting the Integrity of Sport
The Nationality Review Panel—composed of Donna Raynor, Cydonie Motherskill, and Susanne van Waert—determined that approving these transfers would compromise the core principles of the World Athletics eligibility rules. The panel emphasized that national teams should not be primarily assembled through external recruitment, as this undermines the incentive for Member Federations to invest in their own domestic talent.
By blocking these moves, World Athletics aims to safeguard the credibility of international athletics and ensure that national representation remains authentic rather than a product of financial inducement.
Athletes Affected by the Decision
The panel assessed the applications together due to their common features. The 11 athletes denied the transfer of allegiance are:
- Catherine Relin (Selin Can) Amanang’ole (Kenya)
- Rajindra Campbell (Jamaica)
- Jaydon Hibbert (Jamaica)
- Brian Kibor (Kenya)
- Brigid Kosgei (Kenya)
- Ronald Kwemoi (Kenya)
- Nelvin (Can) Jepkemboi (Kenya)
- Favour Ofili (Nigeria)
- Wayne Pinnock (Jamaica)
- Rojé Stona (Jamaica)
- Sophia Yakushina (Russia)
Spotlight: Favour Ofili’s Blocked Switch
Among the most high-profile cases is that of Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili. The 23-year-old athlete, who last represented Nigeria at the Paris 2024 Olympics, had already taken significant steps toward the switch, including obtaining Turkish citizenship in May 2025 and signing a club contract.
Despite these steps, the ruling ensures she remains ineligible to represent Türkiye at major international events, such as the World Athletics Championships and the Olympic Games. While this is a setback for her proposed nationality change, Ofili remains eligible to compete in individual professional meets and club-level competitions under her current status.
What Happens Next?
The impact of this decision is immediate: the affected athletes cannot represent Türkiye in national representative competitions or other relevant international events. However, the door isn’t entirely closed. World Athletics noted that the ruling may be reviewed or challenged through the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
- The Trigger: World Athletics blocked 11 transfers to Türkiye due to a government-led strategy of using lucrative contracts to recruit foreign talent.
- The Goal: The recruitment was specifically aimed at strengthening Türkiye’s squad for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
- The Precedent: The ruling reinforces the principle that national teams should be developed from domestic talent rather than external recruitment.
- Current Status: Athletes like Favour Ofili remain affiliated with their original nations for international competition but can still compete at the club level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can these athletes still compete in Türkiye?
Yes. As seen in the case of Favour Ofili, athletes can still compete in club-level competitions and individual professional meets, but they cannot represent Türkiye in official international championships or the Olympic Games.
Why did World Athletics intervene?
The organization believes that “buying” a national team through government-financed clubs undermines the integrity of the sport and discourages the development of homegrown athletes within member federations.
Is this decision final?
While the Nationality Review Panel has issued its decision, the ruling can be challenged or reviewed via the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
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