By Francis Onyach - Reporter
Kenya, April 17, 2026 - World Athletics has taken a firm stance against what it describes as a “coordinated, state-backed recruitment strategy,” blocking a group of elite athletes, including Kenyan marathon icon Brigid Kosgei, from switching allegiance to Türkiye ahead of major international competitions.
The ruling by the World Athletics Nationality Review Panel impacts 11 athletes in total, five of whom are Kenyan. Alongside Kosgei, the list includes Olympic silver medallist Ronald Kwemoi, Brian Kibor, Nelvin Jepkemboi, and Catherine Relin Amanang’ole.
These athletes had applied to represent Türkiye in future global competitions, including the 2028 Olympic Games. However, their applications were unanimously rejected, halting what had been shaping up as one of the most ambitious nationality transfer waves in recent athletics history.
At the heart of the decision is World Athletics’ concern over how the transfers were being orchestrated. The governing body found that the applications were part of a coordinated effort led by the Turkish government, working through a state-funded athletics club to attract foreign talent with lucrative contracts.
Officials argued that approving such transfers would “compromise” the integrity of eligibility rules and undermine the principle that athletes should have a genuine national connection to the country they represent.
Reports indicate that financial incentives played a significant role in the recruitment drive, with some athletes allegedly offered substantial signing bonuses and long-term support packages.
Protecting the Integrity of the Sport#
World Athletics has tightened its rules on nationality transfers in recent years, particularly since 2019, amid growing concerns about countries “buying” talent rather than developing it. The governing body has consistently emphasized that international representation should reflect authentic ties, not financial arrangements.
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This latest decision reinforces that stance. By rejecting all 11 applications, the panel signaled that even high-profile athletes would not be exempt from regulations designed to protect fairness and credibility in global competition.
While the athletes cannot represent Türkiye internationally, they are not barred from the sport entirely. They remain eligible to compete in road races, club competitions, and other non-national events, and can still live and train in Türkiye if they choose.
The decision is a significant relief for Kenya. The country has long been a powerhouse in distance running, and the potential loss of elite talent had raised concerns about the impact on its global dominance.
This case highlights a broader and ongoing debate within athletics: where to draw the line between opportunity and exploitation. Nations like Türkiye, Qatar, and Bahrain have historically attracted foreign athletes, often sparking controversy over fairness and identity in sport.
World Athletics’ intervention sends a clear message: global success cannot come at the expense of the sport’s integrity. While the blocked athletes may seek alternative paths, the decision shows a growing commitment to ensuring that national representation in athletics remains authentic, transparent, and fair.