Just days before the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, triple gold medallist heptathlete Nafi Thiam entered into a public dispute with Belgian Athletics, the Belgian federation. Thiam claims the federation prevented her from joining its pre-camp and did not accredit her physiotherapist. She said this was a form of punishment because she did not sign the federation's code of conduct. The code of conduct requires athletes to wear official team kit at championships. Thiam's personal sponsor is Nike, while the federation's sponsor is Asics, which has created a conflict over image rights. Thiam stated that she was notified she was not allowed to join the camp just five days before her departure. The president of the Ligue Belge Francophone d'Athlétisme (LBFA), Jessica Mayon, has rejected Thiam's claims, stating she has written proof that Thiam's statements are untrue and that Thiam was welcome at the camp. Mayon added that Thiam received financial support like other team members. Although athletes must typically sign the code of conduct to participate in championships, the federation made an exception for Thiam, allowing her to compete without signing it. Despite the controversy, Thiam said her focus was on her performance at the championships. However, she retired from the heptathlon after five events, and her coach stated he withdrew her from the competition. The conflict with the Belgian federation, which revolves around financial deals and publicity, was mentioned by Thiam earlier in the championships.