IAAF OKAYS 9 RUSSIANS TO COMPETE INTERNATIONALLY AS NEUTRAL ATHLETES

LAUSANNE, Switzerland – The Doping Review Board of the International Association of Atheletics Federation, IAAF, has approved the applications of nine Russian athletes who have met the exceptional eligibility criteria to compete in international competition as neutral athletes in 2018 under competition Rule 22.1A(b).

The IAAF which made the revelation in a statement noted that the Russian national federation (RusAF) remains suspended.

In December 2017, the IAAF issued a simplified application process for 2017 Authorised Neutral Athletes to reapply for continued eligibility to compete in international competitions in 2018.

Since publication of the simplified application and updated guidelines under Rule 22.1A(b) in December, the IAAF has received more than 140 applications from Russian athletes.

A total of 30 Russian athletes have so far been declared eligible to compete as Authorised Neutral Athletes in 2018. 30 applications have been denied. The Doping Review Board is composed of Robert Hersh (chair), Sylvia Barlag and Antti Pihlakoski.