World Athletics blocks Brigid Kosgei, 4 other Kenyans from switching allegiance to Turkey
The World Athletics Nationality Review Panel has refused the applications of 11 athletes seeking to transfer their allegiance to Türkiye, in a decision announced on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
Among those affected are Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei, the former women’s marathon world record holder and Olympic silver medallist, who leads the list of five Kenyan athletes affected, Ronald Kwemoi, Brian Kibor, and Nelvin (Can) Jepkemboi, alongside athletes from Jamaica, Nigeria, and Russia.
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The panel said the applications could not be approved as they conflicted with the principles governing eligibility and transfers of allegiance in international athletics.
Coordinated recruitment concerns
According to World Athletics, the applications were assessed together after being linked to what it described as a coordinated recruitment strategy led by the Türkiye government acting through a wholly owned and financed club.
The body noted that the strategy was aimed at attracting foreign athletes through financial incentives to strengthen Türkiye’s squad for future international competitions, including the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
“The panel found that the applications formed part of a coordinated recruitment strategy led by the Türkiye government, “The statement stated.
The governing body stated that such an approach undermines the integrity of international competition and the development of domestic talent systems.
The 11 athletes whose applications were rejected include: Catherine Relin (Selin Can), Amanang’ole (KEN), Brigid Kosgei (KEN), Ronald Kwemoi (KEN), Brian Kibor (KEN), Nelvin (Can) Jepkemboi (KEN), Rajindra Campbell (JAM), Jaydon Hibbert (JAM), Wayne Pinnock (JAM), Rojé Stona (JAM), Favour Ofili (NGR), and Sophia Yakushina (RUS).
World Athletics explains decision
World Athletics said the ruling was made to safeguard the credibility of global competition.
“The panel considered that approval of these applications would compromise the integrity of international competition,” the statement read.
It added that eligibility rules are designed to maintain a genuine link between athletes and the countries they represent.
“These rules ensure a genuine connection between athletes and Member Federations,” the statement noted.
World Athletics further emphasised its stance on team composition.
“National teams must not be primarily assembled through external recruitment strategies,” it said.
As a result of the ruling, none of the 11 athletes will be eligible to represent Türkiye in international competitions.
However, they remain free to compete in road races, one-day meetings, and other individual events, as well as train and live in Türkiye.
The athletes retain the right to appeal the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which could review the ruling in the coming months.
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William Muthama
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