Iraq Olympic ban confirmed for Beijing

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The IOC has banned the Iraqi Olympic team from competing at the Beijing Games. The team previously was subjected to an interim ban after the Iraqi government replaced members of the national Olymlpic Committee. The IOC charter demands that all Olympic committees be free of political influence.

Iraq had qualified two rowers, two sprinters, one archer, one weightlifter and one judo competitor.

‘We sent a letter to the Iraqi government today saying that as the situation stands today it is unlikely to have Iraqi athletes at the Beijing Games,’ IOC spokesperson Emmanuelle Moreau told the BBC earlier today.

‘This morning we were informed of the final decision of the International Olympic Committee to suspend the membership of the Iraqi Olympic Committee,’ Hussein al-Amidi, the general secretary of the Iraqi Olympic Committee, told Associated Press.

‘It’s a final decision, there is no way to appeal,’ he added. ‘This means that Iraq will not take part in the coming Olympic games. It is a blow to Iraq and its international reputation, its athletes and its youth.’

-- Greg Johnson