Russian Athletics has submitted a fresh legal challenge to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) against sanctions imposed by World Athletics, seeking to clear the path for the nation’s athletes to return to international competition.

The federation stated on Monday that its appeal addresses restrictions which breach its organisational rights and prevent it from representing Russian athletes globally.

Competitors from Russia have been barred from international events since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

World Athletics has consistently upheld its ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes, pointing to the conflict alongside concerns regarding the integrity of international sport.

Russian Athletics said the restrictions leave it unable to engage in World Athletics decision-making, such as council votes, while preventing Russian officials and specialists from attending coaching conferences, seminars and professional development programmes.

"The sanctions against Russian Athletics are unprecedented. No other sports federation faces such severe restrictions," Boris Yaryshevskiy, chief executive director of Russian Athletics, said in a statement.

"They not only hinder the federation's normal operation but also hold back the development of athletics in Russia, particularly among young athletes, preventing us from properly representing our sport in the international arena."

The federation confirmed it will maintain legal proceedings to overturn the restrictions and is preparing additional measures.

World Athletics did not immediately respond to a comment request.

This filing follows a separate appeal lodged by Russian Athletics on 9 July, challenging a World Athletics Council decision extending the athlete suspensions.

The council reaffirmed the exclusion of Russian and Belarusian competitors on 3 July.

Russian Athletics confirmed it has hired international sports lawyers experienced in Cas arbitration proceedings to handle the legal process.

World Athletics remains among the most stringent international federations regarding its policy towards Russia since Ukraine's invasion.

Although some sports permit limited neutral participation for Russian athletes, athletics continues to bar competitors from Russia and Belarus entirely.

Based in Lausanne, Switzerland, Cas acts as sport's supreme arbitration body, resolving disputes involving athletes, federations and governing organisations.