IOC expands on reasons for Iraq ban

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The IOC has offered some details about its decision to permanently ban the Iraqi Olympic team from competing at the Beijing Games. Iraq had qualified two rowers, two sprinters, one archer, one weightlifter and one judo competitor.

IOC officials said in a statement that they ‘would like to see Iraqi athletes in Beijing’ but were ‘disappointed that they have been so ill-served by their own government’s actions. The deadline for taking up places for Beijing for all sports except athletics has now passed and as a result we must now reallocate a number of Iraq’s qualified or invited quota places.’

On June 4, the IOC temporarily suspended the Iraqi National Olympic Committee after the government created a new committee that is chaired by its own minister of sport. The IOC has refused to recognize that committee or its decisions.

Earlier today, the IOC made that ban permanent. The IOC based its decision on a charter clause that requires it to suspend a national Olympic committee if “any governmental body…causes the activity of the NOC…to be hampered.”

The IOC also said that the Iraqi government ‘did not positively respond’ to an invitation to go to IOC headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, to ‘discuss possible remedies.’

The IOC noted that the Olympic Movement has ‘provided funding and training opportunities to support the Iraqi NOC and more than 50 Iraqi athletes and coaches. The Iraqi government’s actions have destroyed this progress. The IOC will continue to search for ways to help Iraqi athletes and support the role of sports in a safe and peaceful Iraq.’

-- Greg Johnson