World Athletics Blocks Five Kenyan Athletes from Switching Nationality to Turkey

World Athletics has dealt a significant blow to five Kenyan athletes who applied to switch their sporting nationality to Turkey, rejecting all five transfer of allegiance applications in a move that reinforces the governing body's tightening stance on nationality transfers in distance running.

Among those blocked are former marathon world record holder Brigid Kosgei and steeplechaser Abraham Kwemoi, both of whom had been offered lucrative deals by Turkish Athletics Federation. The rejections come under the updated 2024 transfer regulations, which introduced stricter criteria including a mandatory three-year waiting period and proof of genuine residency.

The decision has sparked debate within the athletics community. Critics argue the rules unfairly restrict athletes from pursuing better financial opportunities, while supporters say they protect the integrity of national representation. Athletics Kenya welcomed the ruling, stating it helps retain the country's top talent for major championships.

Turkey has been particularly aggressive in recruiting East African distance runners, offering citizenship and substantial financial packages. World Athletics president Sebastian Coe has repeatedly expressed concern about the trend, describing it as undermining the spirit of national competition.

The affected athletes now face a choice: continue representing Kenya or wait out the eligibility period and reapply. For Kosgei, who has struggled with injuries recently, the decision adds another layer of uncertainty to her career. The ruling is expected to discourage further transfer attempts from Kenyan athletes in the near term.