Athletics
FIFA, World Athletics review transgender rules after swimming’s change
World soccer’s governing body FIFA and World Athletics said on Monday that they are reviewing their transgender eligibility policies after swimming passed new rules that restrict transgender participation in women’s events.
On Sunday, swimming’s world governing body FINA voted to restrict the participation of transgender athletes in elite women’s competitions and create a working group to establish an ‘open’ category for them in some events as part of its new policy.
The new policy states that male-to-female transgender swimmers (transgender women) are eligible to compete in women’s competitions only if “they can establish to FINA’s comfortable satisfaction that they have not experienced any part of male puberty beyond Tanner Stage 2 (of puberty) or before age 12, whichever is later”.
A spokesperson for FIFA told Reuters it was in a consultation process over a new policy.
“FIFA is currently reviewing its gender eligibility regulations in consultation with expert stakeholders,” said the spokesperson.
“Due to the ongoing nature of the process, FIFA is not in a position to comment on specifics of proposed amendments to the existing regulations,” the spokesperson added.
Sebastian Coe, president of World Athletics, told the BBC that the organisation’s council would discuss their regulations at the end of the year.
Coe praised FINA for taking the decision, which has been criticised by trans rights advocates.
“We see an international federation asserting its primacy in setting rules, regulations and policies that are in the best interest of its sport,” he told the BBC.
“This is as it should be. We have always believed that biology trumps gender and we will continue to review our regulations in line with this. We will follow the science.
“We continue to study, research and contribute to the growing body of evidence that testosterone is a key determinant in performance, and have scheduled a discussion on our regulations with our council at the end of the year,” he added.
FIFA said it was taking guidance from medical, legal, scientific, performance and human rights experts and also the position of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
“Should FIFA be asked to verify the eligibility of a player before the new regulations will be in place, any such case will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis, taking into account FIFA’s clear commitment to respect human rights,” the spokesperson said.
Last year, the IOC issued a ‘framework’ on the issue, leaving eligibility decisions up to individual sports bodies, but adding that “until evidence determines otherwise, athletes should not be deemed to have an unfair or disproportionate competitive advantage due to their sex variations, physical appearance and/or transgender status”.
World Athletics’ current rules cap testosterone levels at five nanomoles per litre (5nmol/L) for transgender athletes and for competitors with differences in sex development (DSD) in some women’s running events.
Coe said it was important to protect the integrity of women’s sport.
“When push comes to shove, if it’s a judgement between inclusion and fairness, we will always fall down on the side of fairness – that for me is non-negotiable.
“We can’t have a generation of young girls thinking there is not a future for them in the sport. So we have a responsibility…maintaining the primacy and the integrity of female competition is absolutely vital,” he added.
Last week the International Cycling Union (UCI) tightened its rules on transgender participation by increasing the transition period on low testosterone to two years and reducing the maximum permitted testosterone level.
-Reuters
Athletics
DR Congo Athletes Arrive in Lagos as Countdown to African U18/U20 Athletics Championships Begins
With just four days to go, excitement is building for the 3rd African U18/U20 Athletics Championships as the first batch of international athletes touched down in Nigeria on Saturday morning.
Athletes from the Democratic Republic of Congo were the early birds, arriving at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos to officially kick-start arrivals for the much-anticipated continental event scheduled for Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The Congolese delegation was warmly received by the Local Organising Committee’s (LOC) protocol team, led by Arabirin Aderonke, Head of Protocol.
The team ensured a smooth and hospitable welcome, reflecting Nigeria’s renowned spirit of warmth and organisation.
“We are excited to receive the first set of athletes arriving for the championship,” said Arabirin Aderonke.
“This marks the beginning of what promises to be a historic and memorable competition.
“Our protocol teams are fully mobilised at the airports to ensure a smooth experience for all arriving delegations, as the National Sports Commission had demanded excellence from every subcommittee in the LOC.”
The DR Congo athletes, visibly delighted by the reception, were swiftly processed and escorted to their base ahead of the tournament, which will run from July 16 to 20, 2025, at the MKO Abiola International Stadium in Abeokuta.
The African U18/U20 Athletics Championships will bring together over 40 African nations, showcasing the continent’s rising stars in track and field events. With preparations entering the final stretch, the arrival of the first team signals the start of what is expected to be a celebration of youth, talent, and continental unity.
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
The ancient city of Abeokuta, Ogun State, will take centre stage as it hosts the 3rd edition of the African U18/U20 Athletics Championship from July 16 to 20, 2025.
The event, scheduled to take place at the iconic MKO Abiola International Stadium, promises five thrilling days of world-class youth athletics action.
Organized by the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) in partnership with the National Sports Commission, Ogun State Government, and corporate sponsors such as the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Bank of Industry (BOI), and LEDCO Limited, the championship will bring together some of the continent’s most promising young talents.
A Packed Athletics Schedule
The competition opens on Wednesday, July 16, with an afternoon session featuring U18 athletes.
Fans will be treated to a variety of events, including the 100m heats, 1500m final, high jump final, triple jump final, and distance races such as the 3,000m and 10,000m across categories.
Day 2 (Thursday, July 17) will deliver a full slate of competition with 110m hurdles heats, long jump qualifications, and the highly anticipated 400m finals for both U18 and U20 categories.
The day will also feature the 100m semi-finals and finals for all age groups, along with the U20 1500m finals and women’s discus final.
Friday’s (Day 3) action starts with the 400m finals for U18 boys and girls, while the field events will include pole vault and hammer throw contests.
The afternoon session heats up with the U18 100m hurdles final, U20 men’s 400m final, high jump, javelin throw, and 4x100m relay heats for the U20 men.
Saturday (Day 4) opens with 200m and 800m heats across both age categories. The afternoon brings the 200m semi-finals, the 5,000m final, and the finals of the 4x100m relays — often one of the most anticipated events of any championship.
The curtain will fall on Sunday, July 20, with a grand finale that includes field events like discus, javelin, and long jump.
The spotlight will then shift to the final sprints and relays — 200m finals for men and women, 800m finals, the U20 men’s long jump final, and the 4x400m relays. The championship will close with a medal ceremony and official closing rites.
Showcasing Africa’s Future Stars
This championship not only provides a competitive platform for Africa’s rising track and field stars but also serves as a vital talent pipeline for future continental and global athletics stages.
With hundreds of athletes from across Africa expected to participate, Abeokuta will become a vibrant hub of youthful athletic excellence and continental camaraderie.
As the spotlight turns to Ogun State, all eyes will be on the MKO Abiola Stadium, where the future of African athletics will be on full display.
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Athletics
Nigeria’s 96-athletic squad set for honours at African U18/U20 Athletics Championship in Abeokuta
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
Team Nigeria has officially announced its full squad list for the 3rd African U18/U20 Athletics Championship, set to hold from July 16 to 20 at the MKO Abiola International Stadium in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
A total of 96 athletes will represent the host nation in what is expected to be a thrilling showcase of young African talent.
The team comprises a blend of promising male and female athletes across both age categories.
The U20 men’s team leads in number with 30 athletes, followed by the U18 boys with 24 athletes. On the women’s side, 18 athletes will compete in the U18 category, while 24 athletes will represent Nigeria in the U20 women’s division.
Strong Support Team Backing the Athletes
The athletes will be supported by a robust technical and backroom staff that includes 22 coaches, 8 medical personnel, and 8 additional team members, among them a psychologist, physiotherapists, logistics coordinators, a team secretary, and media personnel — all dedicated to ensuring optimal performance and team management.
Final Preparations Underway
In preparation for the continental meet, Nigeria’s sprint relay quartet — Lucy Nwankwo, Success Oyibu, Anita Itohan, and Chika Bakwunye — participated in the recent AFN/Dynamic Athletics Meet, fine-tuning their baton exchanges and synchronization ahead of the championship.
Officials from the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) revealed that all selected athletes have undergone intensive training camps, fitness assessments, and performance trials aimed at ensuring Nigeria remains a dominant force in African athletics.
A Nation Poised for Glory
As Nigeria gears up to host athletes from over 40 African nations, expectations are high that the home team will deliver a strong performance and capitalize on home advantage.
The Abeokuta championship marks a significant milestone for Nigerian athletics, both as host and as a contender for top honours.
With a deep pool of young talent and strong institutional backing, Team Nigeria is poised to not only compete but also inspire a new generation of stars and uphold the country’s legacy in track and field.
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