World Athletics firm on Russia ban, Coe acknowledges need for solution

World Athletics continues to enforce a full ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes, while President Sebastian Coe acknowledges the need for a long-term solution. Speaking on the final day of the inaugural Ultimate Championship in Budapest on September 13, 2026, Coe said the federation's position would not change, while admitting that a solution is needed. This is not a performance article. It is a governance and eligibility story, covering institutional rules, the pending CAS case, and communication strategy. World Athletics holds one of the toughest stances among international federations. Since 2026, Russian and Belarusian athletes have been excluded from all events. Unlike some other bodies, World Athletics has not created a neutral-athlete mechanism. Coe framed the ban as a matter of competitive integrity, not politics or passports. He also used his personal record to reinforce his argument. The main legal battle is at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The Russian Athletics Federation filed a claim in July and added a fresh appeal in August. A hearing is expected in the coming months. Coe refused to reveal legal strategy. Russian Athletics also complains about being excluded from World Athletics decision-making. The International Skating Union has allowed some Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete as neutrals, but that status can be revoked. Kamila Valieva is a notable example. Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev said affected skaters would appeal to CAS, indicating a coordinated legal campaign. There are three scenarios: CAS rules against World Athletics, CAS upholds the ban with procedural requirements, or CAS dismisses the Russian appeal. The overall risk is high. There is also commercial pressure because the Ultimate Championship needs a strong global field. The CAS timeline may be slower than expected. For Vietnam, the key takeaway is that the outcome could change the competition landscape. Vietnamese athletes should monitor the case, follow anti-doping rules, and understand each federation's eligibility regulations.