IOC Executive Board Takes Measures to Ensure Access for All Athletes to International Competitions Hosted by Countries
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) held its September meeting recently and expressed concern over the restriction of access for athletes to countries hosting international competitions. The Executive Board (EB) of the IOC stated that such actions not only deprive athletes of their right to compete peacefully, but also hinder the Olympic Movement’s ability to showcase the power of sport.
The EB discussed this issue during a remote meeting this week, highlighting its principled stance that all eligible athletes, teams, and sports officials should have the opportunity to participate in international events without any form of discrimination by the host country. This is in accordance with the Olympic Charter and the fundamental principles of non-discrimination, autonomy, and political neutrality that govern the Olympic Movement.
The cancellation of visas for Israeli athletes by the Indonesian government for the 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta was cited as a recent example of this recurring issue. In response, the IOC EB decided on the following measures:
– To cease all dialogue with the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Indonesia regarding the hosting of future editions of the Olympic Games, Youth Olympic Games, Olympic events, or conferences until the Indonesian government provides adequate guarantees of access to the country for all participants, regardless of nationality.
– To recommend to all International Federations not to host any international sports events or meetings in Indonesia until the government provides adequate guarantees of access for all participants, regardless of nationality.
– To revise the Qualification Principles for the Olympic Games and request that International Federations include guarantees of access to the respective country for all athletes in their hosting agreements for any Olympic qualification competition worldwide.
– To request the NOC of Indonesia and the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) to meet with the IOC at its headquarters in Lausanne to discuss the situation that occurred ahead of the 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships.
The IOC EB also took the opportunity to remind all Olympic Movement stakeholders of the crucial importance of free and unrestricted access for all participants to international competitions, without any limitations.
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