In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…
- The World Athletics Council has banned Bahrain from recruiting foreign athletes until 2027 due to violations of anti-doping rules.
- Bahrain will be restricted in major international events and must now focus on developing local athletic talent.
The World Athletics Council has imposed a strict ban on Bahrain from recruiting athletes until 2027, following an investigation by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) Board.
The investigation revealed historical violations of World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules by the Bahrain Athletics Association (BAA), leading to the ban announced on August 22.
As a consequence, Bahrain is prohibited from applying for any transfers of allegiance or recruiting foreign athletes for the next four years.
This decision directly targets Bahrain’s controversial practice of “buying” athletic talent from poorer nations, a strategy that has seen numerous Kenyan athletes competing under the Bahraini flag.
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For instance, Winfred Yavi became the first athlete representing Bahrain to win the 3000m steeplechase at the 2023 World Athletics Championship.
In response to the ban, Bahrain has pledged to establish and fund a talent academy to nurture local athletes, signaling a shift towards developing homegrown talent and reducing its dependence on foreign recruits.
The World Athletics Council’s decision also restricts Bahrain’s participation in major international events.
The country will be limited to sending only 10 athletes to the Paris 2024 Olympics and the Tokyo 2025 World Championships.
Additionally, Bahrain will be excluded from all other World Athletics Series events for 12 months starting in June 2024.
Kenya, a long-standing powerhouse in long-distance running, has attracted athletes from around the world to its high-altitude training camps.
However, Bahrain’s approach has involved using financial incentives and educational opportunities to entice Kenyan athletes to switch their allegiance.
The Council’s ruling marks a significant turning point in the ongoing debate over the ethics of nationality transfers in sports.