Spain Gives IOC Assurance on Kosovar Athletes

(ATR) Athletes from Kosovo will be able to compete under their national flag at international events in Spain, according to the IOC.

Josep Borrell, Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union, and Cooperation, assured the Spanish Olympic Committee (COE) that Kosovar athletes would be now issued visas that allow them to compete using all appropriate flags and symbols. Borrell wrote to the COE today to convey the decision

Most recently, Kosovar athletes had to compete under the World Karate Federation flag at its World Championships in Madrid. Athletes boycotted the opening ceremony in response. There was some worry the IOC could strip Spain of the right to host international events for its actions.

"The IOC and the COE wish to publicly express their deepest satisfaction with the decision taken today by the Spanish Government regarding the participation of Kosovan athletes in international competitions to be held in Spain," the IOC statement said.

"This will ensure that the athletes of Kosovo can participate under the same conditions as all the other athletes from the 206 National Olympic Committees recognised by the IOC."

Kosovo became a full member of the IOC in December 2014 allowing its athletes to compete under the country’s flag at the Olympics and continental events. The country is recognized by 110 member states in the UN, but not every country in Europe.

A current border dispute with Serbia has prevented both countries from moving forward with talks of joining the European Union.

Kosovar athletes have faced discrimination at international events before. Karate athletes on their way to Serbia for competition were barred from entering the country, prompting warnings from the IOC but ultimately no punishment. The IOC concluded sports organizers did everything they could to get the athletes ito the event.

The IOC has sought to tamp down on nationalistic displays in sport events, with Thomas Bach mentioning future actions in a speech this year at the SportAccord Convention in Bangkok, Thailand.

"Once again, the IOC and the COE wish to underline the fundamental role played by sport and the Olympic Movement in building a more inclusive, fairer society, in which dialogue and respect are the cornerstones and key principles," the IOC statement read.

Written by Aaron Bauer

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