IOC Won't Recognize Kuwait's Interim NOC

(ATR) The International Olympic Committee calls Kuwait’s decision to dissolve its Olympic Committee (KOC) and Football Association (KFA) a "blatant violation of the Olympic Charter".

"The IOC strongly condemns these actions which, regrettably, continue to worsen the situation instead of helping to find solutions," the IOC said in a letter to Kuwait’s sports minister.

The IOC will not recognize either of the interim committees established by the director general of the Public Authority for Sport (PAS) Sheikh Ahmad Mansour Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and will maintain its support of the elected KOC leader Sheikh Talal Al-Fahad Al-Sabah.

The KOC and KFA were dissolved by the Kuwaiti government on Aug. 25 as a result of "financial irregularities" and "countless violations" in accordance with Kuwait’s new sports laws, the same laws that led to the IOC suspending the KOC in October 2015.

In its letter, the IOC adds that the suspension of the NOC is a "protective measure" against Kuwait’s government interference. That interference reached a tipping point on Aug. 28 as Kuwaiti police entered the KFA to remove its officials with a show of force. The officials passively resisted.

Any decisions or actions taken by the interim organizations will also be ignored by the IOC.

"In addition, the IOC will hold the government authorities responsible for any loss or damage to the KOC properties and assets, in particular those derived from IOC/Olympic Movement funding," the letter reads.

This latest complication further prolongs the year-long saga between the IOC and the Kuwait government’s sports laws.

"As already mentioned repeatedly, the IOC calls upon the highest authorities of Kuwait to work constructively and responsibly on a solution to address the original issue - that is to simply review the sports legislation and make it compatible with the basic principles of the Olympic Movement," an IOC spokesperson says.

Embattled IOC executive board member Patrick Hickey had been designated as the board member handling autonomy issues. He was involved in previous sessions between the Kuwait government and the IOC trying to broker a solution.

No word from the IOC yet as to which EB member will lead the charge to facilitate a solution between the two parties.

"The IOC is still hoping that reason and common sense will prevail in this situation, in the sole interest of sport and the athletes in Kuwait."

Written by Kevin Nutley

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