AFN reaffirms commitment to the principles of integrity, fairness and athletes’ welfare

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of integrity,
fairness, and athlete welfare as set out in the World Athletics Rules and the global integrity framework
administered by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU).

The framework states that age eligibility requirements are a fundamental component of fair competition in athletics. They exist to protect athletes, particularly minors, ensure equal conditions of participation, and
safeguard the credibility of results and development pathways.

It noted that any falsification or misrepresentation of
age constitutes a serious breach of eligibility rules and undermines confidence in the
sport.

The AFN further stated that in line with World Athletics standards, the Federation applied a robust and proportionate disciplinary
framework to confirmed cases of age manipulation arising out of the recent AIU
inquiry. This framework reflects the AIU’s emphasis on:

• Accountability, including responsibility for athletes and for athlete support personnel;
• Deterrence, through meaningful and enforceable sanctions;
• Consistency, in the application of rules;

Due process, including the presumption of innocence, the right to be heard, and decisions
based on credible evidence.

It says that where age falsification was established following due process, consequences included disqualification from
competitions, annulment of results, periods of ineligibility, sanctions against coaches or
other support personnel who are found to have facilitated or knowingly enabled the violation and sanctions against states who have historically participated in these violations.

The AFN underscores that investigations were conducted independently and in accordance with established
procedures, consistent with World Athletics and AIU practices. No individual
was sanctioned without a fair hearing and a reasoned decision.

In addition to disciplinary measures, the AFN assured that it is strengthening preventative and educational
initiatives, including improved age-verification processes and integrity education for athletes, coaches and administrators. Hence the
recently signed partnership with Roster Athletics.

These steps according to it, reflect the shared
objective of World Athletics and the AIU to protect clean athletes and promote trust in the sport.

According to the AFN, it remains committed to cooperation with World Athletics, the Athletics Integrity Unit, and
relevant authorities in upholding the highest standards of integrity and governance in athletics.