Turkey to appeal Ofili ruling at CAS

The Turkish Athletics Federation is preparing to challenge World Athletics' ruling that denied Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili's transfer of allegiance to Turkey. The decision, made by the World Athletics Nationality Review Panel, was based on concerns that the move was part of a broader, coordinated effort to recruit established international athletes, rather than a genuine change of nationality.

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Turkey will be appealing the decision by World Athletics to turn down the transfer of allegiance applications of 11 athletes, and they will also take the appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sports, CAS.

World Athletics cited the integrity of international competition and athlete recruitment practices as key reasons for the rejection. The panel's report indicated that the initiative, which involved 11 athletes from various countries including Kenya, Jamaica, and Russia, was financially motivated and designed to bolster Turkey's team for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. This approach, according to the panel, undermines the principle of countries developing their own talent and prioritizes financial incentives over genuine national ties.

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The Application by the TAF for Favour OFILI (the ‘Athlete’) to transfer allegiance from NGR to TUR is not approved.

Despite the ruling, Turkey intends to pursue the case at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). This legal challenge highlights the ongoing tension between national sporting federations seeking to enhance their competitive standing and international bodies aiming to maintain the fairness and credibility of athletic competitions. The Athletics Federation of Nigeria has welcomed Ofili back, emphasizing support for her to compete for her home country.

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The priority should be to provide the right environment for her to succeed, adding that what she needs most is “love, support, encouragement and more love.”