The World Athletics Council has acted on recommendations from the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) Board, imposing significant sanctions on the Bahrain Athletics Association (BAA) for past breaches of the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules (ADR). Notably, the BAA is now barred from applying for transfers of allegiance or recruiting foreign athletes until 2027.This decision coincidentally comes at at time when Kenyan-born Winfred Yavi, won gold in the 3000m steeplechase for Bahrain at the Paris Olympics. The victory sparked debate about the trend of Kenyan athletes competing under foreign flags.##NAJAVA_MECA_8284028##Yavi, 24, switched her allegiance to Bahrain in 2016 after failing to secure a place on Team Kenya despite several trials. She has since become a formidable competitor for Kenyan athletes on the international stage.Other Kenyans who have opted to run for Bahrain include Eunice Chumba, Abraham Rotich, Ruth Jebet, Eunice Jepkirui, and Miriam Jeptoo, among others.The World Athletics Council has approved a recommendation from the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) Board concerning the measures and corrective actions to be imposed on the Bahrain Athletics Association (BAA) following historical breaches of the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules.— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) August 22, 2024 Case Against BahrainIn December 2023, the AIU Board charged the BAA after an extensive 18-month investigation into its adherence to ADR 15. This regulation mandates that World Athletics Member Federations maintain anti-doping standards that exceed those of the World Anti-Doping Code.The investigation was triggered by severe doping violations by two Bahraini athletes at the Tokyo Olympics, who were found guilty of homologous blood transfusions. It was also discovered that between 2019 and 2021, the BAA had employed a coach with a prior anti-doping ban.Kipkurui, Alamisi reveal plans ahead of World U20 ChampionshipsThe BAA’s infractions included:-Acting in a manner that prejudiced World Athletics and tarnished the sport’s reputation (ADR 15.4.1).-Negligently failing to ensure that athlete support personnel were of good character and minimized doping risks (ADR 15.4.6).Sanctions BAA must adhere toBAA has admitted the charges, and agreed to the following penalties:-A cap of 10 athletes for the Paris 2024 Olympics and the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 2025.-A 12-month exclusion from World Athletics Series events starting June 1, 2024.-A prohibition on applying for transfers of allegiance or recruiting foreign athletes until 2027.-Additionally, the BAA will invest up to $7.3 million over four years in anti-doping and integrity measures, including:Implementing a comprehensive strategic plan and operational roadmap (SPOR) in collaboration with the AIU to reform the federation.-Establishing an independent, WADA-compliant national anti-doping organization in Bahrain, fully funded by the government until at least 2026 (the NADO is already operational).-Creating and funding a talent academy to focus on developing local athletes.-Covering the AIU’s investigation and SPOR supervision costs.David Howman, Chair of the Athletics Integrity Unit, commended the BAA for its earnest efforts to address past wrongdoings and its commitment to reform. He highlighted the BAA’s proactive steps in initiating reforms and establishing the new NADO as significant progress for clean sport.Kenyans to watch in tonight’s Lausanne Diamond League
