Best Odds Center
best odds centre button
Click here!
Sport TV
watch live tv button
Click here!
to watch
Live FootBall
NPFL
Click here!
Live Scores
play watch Live Score button
Click here!

World Athletics Yet to Review Turkish Transfer Applications Amid Athlete Allegiance Wave

Posted : 25 June 2025

World Athletics has confirmed that it has neither reviewed nor approved the four transfer of allegiance applications submitted by the Turkish Athletics Federation, amid growing attention on the increasing number of elite athletes switching nationalities to represent Türkiye.

Among the applications is that of Favour Ofili, a Nigerian sprint star who reached the women’s 200m final at the 2024 Paris Olympics and is widely reported to be considering a switch to Turkey. However, World Athletics emphasized that the applications remain under preliminary status and have not yet entered the formal evaluation process.

“We can confirm that no decision has been made on the four transfer of allegiance requests received from Türkiye,” a World Athletics spokesperson stated.

The statement comes amid rising concerns over the wave of athlete transfers to Turkey and other nations, often viewed as efforts to boost medal prospects. The international governing body has implemented stricter regulations in recent years to ensure such transfers are based on legitimate grounds, not sporting advantage alone.

World Athletics reinstated its nationality transfer policy in 2020 after a two-year freeze, introducing key reforms:

  • Athletes must be at least 20 years old to apply
  • A mandatory three-year waiting period
  • Proof of citizenship and genuine ties to the new country
  • Only one transfer allowed per athlete in a lifetime

These requirements aim to protect the integrity of international competitions and prevent exploitation of athletes through aggressive recruitment strategies.

Though the athletes in question have not been officially named, Favour Ofili's situation has gained widespread media attention. Any confirmation of her allegiance switch will depend on World Athletics’ full review and compliance with the governing body's eligibility rules.

For now, the applications remain pending.

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics

close button
Please fill captcha :