Legal Status of Russian Athletes Competing as Individual Neutral Athletes at International Competitions: Public-Law Issues and Mechanisms for the Protection of Rights

The article examines the legal status of Russian athletes admitted to international competitions as Individual Neutral Athletes (AINs). The study aims to determine the legal nature of neutral status, identify the public-law risks associated with its application, and develop a coherent system of remedies for athletes. Formal legal, comparative legal and systemic methods are used together with an analysis of Russian legislation, International Olympic Committee instruments and recent Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) jurisprudence. The article argues that neutral status constitutes a special eligibility regime rather than a change of nationality and, as a general rule, should not be treated as a disciplinary sanction. The regulatory autonomy of international sports organisations is not unlimited: eligibility criteria must remain compatible with non-discrimination, legal certainty, proportionality and procedural fairness. Decisions in CAS 2024/A/10722, CAS 2025/A/11592, CAS 2025/A/11915 and CAS OG 26/01 demonstrate that the legality of restrictions depends on a clear normative basis, a demonstrable legitimate aim, individualised assessment and timely access to review. A three-layer protection model is proposed: internal sports remedies, international sports arbitration and institutional legal support within the Russian Federation. The article also proposes clarifying the duties of all-Russian sports federations when assisting athletes whose access to international competition is restricted.