The organization said that it is taking measures to protect access for all athletes to countries hosting international competitions.
In a statement posted by the International Olympic Committee (IOC)’s executive board on Thursday, October 23, it said that it sat down with officials from Indonesia through a remote meeting this week.
During which, the body governing the Olympic games said that it discussed with the Indonesian government the cancelation of visas for Israeli athletes competing in the 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta.
It also noted the recurrent global issue regarding athletes’ access to international competitions.
“[The executive board] again highlighted the IOC’s principled position: all eligible athletes, teams and sports officials must be able to take part in international sports competitions and events without any form of discrimination by the host country, in accordance with the Olympic Charter and the fundamental principles of non-discrimination, autonomy and political neutrality that govern the Olympic Movement,” it explained.
Hence, to avoid similar situations in the future, the IOC said that the board decided to take some measures to address the matter.
The first on the list is the cessation of any form of dialogue with the National Olympic Committee of Indonesia about hosting future editions of the Olympic Games, Youth Olympic Games, Olympic events or conferences.
Another blow for the Southeast Asian nation is the IOC’s recommendation to all international sporting federations to not hold any global sports events and meetings.
Both will be in effect “until such time as the Indonesian government provides the IOC with adequate guarantees that it will allow access to the country for all participants, regardless of nationality, to attend,” the statement furthered.
The IOC will also adapt the Qualification Principles for the Olympic Games, which will entail requesting that the international federations will include guarantees on access to the respective country for all athletes in their hosting agreements for any Olympic qualification competition around the world.
The body will also request the NOC of Indonesia and the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) to head to the IOC headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland to discuss the situation that occurred ahead of the 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships.
Lastly, the IOC’s executive board also took the opportunity to remind all stakeholders of the “importance of free and unfettered access to the respective country for all participants to attend international competitions without restrictions.”
Prior to this incident, the same board expressed during a meeting back in September its concern about the restriction of access to host countries for athletes, and the boycotting and cancellation of competitions due to political tensions.
“These actions deprive athletes of their right to compete peacefully and prevent the Olympic Movement from showing the power of sport,” it told in its declaration back then.