Turkey To Challenge World Athletics Rejection Of Ofili Transfer At CAS

Turkey is gearing up to challenge a decision by World Athletics that has blocked the transfer of allegiance for Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili, with plans to take the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

The appeal follows a ruling from the World Athletics Nationality Review Panel, which rejected an application from the Türkiye Athletics Federation to switch Ofili’s nationality from Nigeria to Turkey. The panel cited concerns regarding the integrity of international competition and the increasing trend of athlete recruitment driven by financial incentives.

Jamaican journalist Kayon Raynor has reported that Turkish authorities are preparing a comprehensive legal challenge, not only for Ofili but also for a broader group of athletes whose applications for nationality transfer were denied. The panel determined that Ofili’s case was part of a coordinated recruitment effort involving 11 athletes from various countries, including prominent names such as Brigid Kosgei, Ronald Kwemoi, and Jaydon Hibbert, alongside others from Kenya, Jamaica, and Russia.

According to the ruling, the initiative—reportedly backed by the Turkish government—aimed to bolster the country’s athletics programme in anticipation of the 2028 Summer Olympics by acquiring established international talent.

World Athletics concluded that such a model risks undermining the credibility of national representation and disincentivises long-term investment in grassroots athlete development. The panel warned that approving such transfers could encourage nationality changes motivated primarily by financial gain rather than genuine national ties.

“The application for Favour Ofili to transfer allegiance from Nigeria to Turkey is not approved,” stated the panel.

As a result of this decision, Ofili and the other affected athletes remain ineligible to represent Turkey at major international competitions, including the Olympic Games and World Championships. However, they may still compete in one-day meetings and club-level events.

In Nigeria, the ruling was met with approval by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria. Its president, Tonobok Okowa, called for unity and renewed support for Ofili, emphasising the need to create a conducive environment for her continued success.