World Athletics Blocks Transfer of 4 Jamaican Athletes to Turkey

Four Jamaican athletes, including Olympic champion Roje Stona, have been denied approval to switch allegiance to Turkey following a ruling by the World Athletics Nationality Review Panel. Also affected are Rajindra Campbell, Jaydon Hibbert and Wayne Pinnock, all of whom had submitted requests to represent the European nation in international competitions.

The decision, announced on Thursday, follows concerns raised by the panel over what it described as a structured recruitment effort involving foreign athletes. According to the findings, the Turkish government, through a state-backed sports club, had been offering lucrative deals aimed at securing talent ahead of major competitions, including the 2028 Summer Olympics.

In its statement, World Athletics said approving the applications would go against the intent of its transfer-of-allegiance regulations, which are designed to maintain fairness and integrity within the sport. The panel concluded that the coordinated nature of the approach raised significant governance concerns.

The ruling means the athletes will not be eligible to compete for Turkey in international championships or national team events. However, they are still permitted to participate in one-day meets, road races, or club competitions, and may continue to live and train abroad if they choose.

The decision also impacts several other athletes from countries including Nigeria, Kenya and Russia, who were part of the same batch of applications reviewed by the panel.