Afghanistan Receives Warning from IOC for Denying Sports for Females at Paris Olympics

By: WE Staff | Thursday, 22 June 2023

The IOC raised concerns about the eligibility of Afghanistan's team for the 2024 Paris Olympics on Wednesday due to its increasing frustration with the Taliban's refusal over women's and girls’ access to sports.

Despite making repeated calls for action over this matter, the International Olympic Committee stated that it "continues to be extremely concerned" about the state of sports in Afghanistan.

There have not been any new updates about the participation of the Afghan delegation and team in the Paris Olympics as stated by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The IOC will encourage Afghanistan's athletes to take part in Paris as an independent team under the Olympic flag and anthem, whereas it could suspend Afghanistan's Olympic body for interfering with the independent management of sport.

The concerning matter was discussed on Wednesday during a meeting of the IOC executive board, which also received updates on issues involving Olympic officials in Guatemala, India, Indonesia, and Iran.

IOC director for NOC relations James McLeod stated in an online briefing that some guarantees have been written down between Olympic officials and the recently appointed director of physical education and sports of Afghanistan.

Several women and girls who previously participated in various sports have been restricted by the Taliban not to take part in any of them further as mentioned by them to The Associated Press in January.

The IOC board meeting will be held next in Mumbai, India in October shortly after the Asian Games and discussions will be executed about the Afghanistan issue.