World Athletics has rejected an appeal from the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) calling for the disqualification of French athlete Cyrena Samba-Mayela for lane infringement during the women’s 100m hurdles semi-final and the reinstatement of Tobi Amusan for the final.
According to a document obtained by Bold Sports, AFN Technical Director Samuel Onikeku sought an inquiry and action after footage revealed Samba-Mayela with one foot in another lane following the race.
Onikeku, in a message posted on the WA Technical Information Centre General Enquiry platform, questioned whether Samba-Mayela could still advance to the final despite the lane infringement.
The message, sent at 15:49—more than four hours after the race concluded—was titled “Enquiry and/or Action Requested” and read, “Can we get further clarification on the 100m hurdles semi-final 3 where Cyrena Samba-Mayela strayed from lane 6 to lane 5 and still advanced to the finals? Thanks, Samuel.”
The video referee responded, stating that Samba-Mayela could not be disqualified as she did not obstruct any athlete, citing Rule TR. 17.3.2 of the World Athletics regulations.
The response read, “There is no issue on a straight track when no other athlete is jostled or obstructed. See Rule TR. 17.3.2. This is different from stepping on the line in a bend. Video Referee Track.”
Amusan, who finished third in her semi-final, placed ninth overall, missing out on the final, which consists of eight athletes.
According to World Athletics rule on lane infringement, if the Referee is satisfied, on the report of a Judge or Umpire or otherwise, that an athlete has infringed Rule 17.2.3 or 17.2.4 of the Technical Rules, they or in the case of a relay race, their team shall be disqualified unless..(TR17.3.2) (the athlete) steps or runs outside their lane in the straight, any straight part of the diversion from the track for the steeplechase water jump or outside the outer line of their lane on the bend.’
Recall that Nigeria’s men’s 4x400m relay team which had earlier qualified for the final were disqualified for lane infringement.
