World Athletics reinstates the Russian Athletics Federation, makes new DSD regulations

World Athletics lifts ban on Russian Athletics Federation

BREAKING World Athletics reinstates the Russian Athletics Federation, makes new DSD regulations

Funmilayo Fameso 19:39 - 23.03.2023

The World Athletics council has reinstated the Russian Athletics Federation after seven years doping suspension, and makes new regulations on DSD athletes.

The World Athletics council has lifted the seven years doping ban on the Russian Athletics Federation (RusAF), after the federation met all the requirements of the reinstatement plan, which was confirmed by an independent audit. 

However, Russia and Belarus remain banned from international athletics "for the foreseeable future" due to the invasion and ongoing war in Ukraine.

It was announced at the 230th World Athletics council meeting and later published on the athletics governing body's website, stating several important decisions regarding the future participation of the Russian and Belarusian Member Federations in athletics.

Excerpts from the release said:

RusAF will be required to comply with a set of 35 'Special Conditions' intended to ensure that RusAf’s anti-doping reforms remain in place and continue to operate effectively.

World Athletics reinstates Russian Athletics Federation after 7-years doping ban
Russia women's relay team

These Special Conditions are designed to enable the Athletics Integrity Unit to monitor, evaluate, communicate, mentor, oversee, and assist RusAF and its external stakeholders to ensure they maintain good governance practices and to protect RusAF from external pressures and attempts to influence or control its functioning.

Also, the Special Conditions are to be applied for three years, with a review at the end of that period to determine whether or not it is necessary to maintain those conditions (as they are or with variations) for a further period.

Furthermore, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), has determined that RusAF should be categorised as a Category ‘A’ member federation after its reinstatement.

World Athletics gives new DSD regulations

The World Athletics council has confirmed new eligibility regulations for athletes who are transgender or who have Differences in Sexual Development (DSD).

The new regulations will require any relevant athletes to reduce their testosterone levels below a limit of 2.5 nmol/L for a minimum of 24 months to compete internationally in the female category in any event, not just the events that were restricted (400m to one mile) under the previous regulations.

This regulation applies to Namibia's duo of Christine Mboma (African Record holder in the women's 200m) and Beatrice Masilingi.

Mboma and Masilingi receive new regulations from World Athletics council
Christine Mboma and Beatrice Masilingi

However, in their case, the World Athletics has said they are required to suppress their testosterone levels below 2.5nmol/L for a minimum of six months before they are eligible to compete again.

The six months period is consistent with the previous regulations, which required six months of testosterone suppression (below 5nmol/L) for DSD athletes to compete in the restricted events.

And regarding transgender athletes, the World Athletics Council has agreed to exclude male-to-female transgender athletes who have been through male puberty from the female World Rankings competition from March 31, 2023.

These regulations will come into effect on March 31, 2023.

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