World Athletics has confirmed that it has not yet reviewed or approved four nationality change applications submitted by the Turkish Athletics Federation.
Among these is the high-profile case of Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili, who was recently reported to have switched allegiance to compete for Turkey.
In response to inquiries from PUNCH Sports Extra, World Athletics acknowledged receiving the applications but did not reveal the names of the athletes involved.
“We can confirm that the Nationality Review Panel (NRP) has received four applications from the Turkish Member Federation. These applications have neither been reviewed nor approved yet,” stated the global governing body.
“The NRP will process these requests through the standard procedures over the coming months. During this period, the athletes are not permitted to represent any federation. To protect the integrity of the process and the privacy of the individuals involved, we do not comment on ongoing cases.”
World Athletics also emphasized that any athlete granted a transfer must serve a three-year waiting period before representing their new country in international competition.
A Growing Trend
Ofili’s reported switch comes just months ahead of the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, for which she had already qualified to represent Nigeria following her performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The 22-year-old sprinter reportedly notified the Athletics Integrity Unit of her dissatisfaction with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), citing frustrations from her experiences during the last two Olympic Games. She clarified that her decision was not financially motivated.
Turkey’s recruitment of top athletes forms part of a broader strategy. According to Onder Ozbilen, senior consultant at Turkey’s Sports Ministry, multiple athletes have been approached as Turkey aims to strengthen its medal prospects at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
“We admire Jamaica’s depth in athletics and are engaged in active discussions with several athletes,” Ozbilen told Jamaican journalist Kayon Raynor.
Reports indicate that Turkey is offering signing bonuses of up to $500,000, along with generous monthly stipends and six-figure rewards for global medals.
To date, three prominent Jamaican athletes Roje Stona (Paris 2024 discus champion), Rajindra Campbell (Olympic bronze medallist in shot put), and Jaydon Hibbert (world U-20 triple jump record holder) have officially completed transfers to Turkey. Wayne Pinnock, another Jamaican athlete, is reportedly being courted as well.
Meanwhile, the AFN stated it has yet to receive any official communication from Turkey or World Athletics regarding Ofili’s application.
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