The Russian Olympic Committee (ROC), the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and 68 Russian athletes have concluded a specific arbitration agreement to designate the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) as the final instance to settle the dispute between the ROC and the IAAF concerning the participation of 68 Russian athletes in the Olympic Games Rio 2016 (athletics events). The parties have agreed to an expedited procedure which should conclude on 21 July 2016 with the issuance of the final decision.

On 13 November 2015, the IAAF suspended the All-Russia Athletic Federation (ARAF) from IAAF membership. Such suspension was confirmed on 26 November 2015 and on 17 June 2016. Pursuant to Rule 22.1 of the IAAF Competition Rules, athletes whose National Federation is suspended by the IAAF are ineligible for competitions held under the IAAF Rules.

In their request for arbitration, the ROC and the 68 athletes request the CAS in particular to review the validity, enforceability and scope of IAAF Competition Rules 22.1(a) and 22.1A, and to order that any Russian athlete who is not currently the subject of any period of ineligibility for the commission of an anti-doping rule violation may participate at the 2016 Olympic Games (subject to meeting the qualification standards for his or her event).

The CAS Court Office initiated an arbitration procedure today. The final decision will be announced, at the latest, on 21 July 2016. The reasoned decision will be published by CAS as soon possible thereafter. In the meantime, the CAS will not comment further.

• This media release was originally published by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on 4 July 2016. To access the original, please click here.