Kuwait amends sports law after IOC ban threat

Kuwait has amended its sports law following threats from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that it would suspend the country over inference from government authorities in the Olympic movement.

The Gulf state gave no details of the changes but Kuwait Olympic Committee (KOC) Chairman Sheikh Ahmad al-Fahad al-Sabah reassured athletes that they would now be able to compete under the national flag, official state news agency reported.

A proposal to re-apply for the suspension of the KOC is due to be presented to the IOC.

Suspension would cut off IOC funding to the committees and prevent their athletes from competing in the Olympics under their national flags.

Olympic authorities in 2010 suspended the oil-rich country after it failed to amend government legislation that permits officials to interfere in the elections of sporting organisations.

The suspension was lifted in July based on guarantees to pass new sports legislation that would put an end to governmental interference in the Olympic Movement in Kuwait.

At London 2012, Kuwait won one bronze medal, tying it 79th in the final medal table. Kuwaiti shooter Fehaid Al-Deehani won the medal in the Men's Trap Shooting competition.

A recent IOC statement explained "the deadline to implement the promises was set for 22nd November, but the IOC regrets to note that the commitments have not been fulfilled.

"The suspension of the National Olympic Committee would serve as a protective measure by the IOC to preserve the autonomy of the NOC and the Olympic Movement in Kuwait."

2nd September 2012 - OLYMPIC GOLD MEDAL WINNER SLAMS ‘EMBARRASSING’ UAE SPORT

16th April 2012 - KUWAIT’S SHEIKH AHMAD ASSUMES ANOC PRESIDENCY 

1st December 2010 - ‘EXTRAORDINARY’ ASIAN GAMES END

17th May 2010 - ARABIAN GULF APPROACH TO SPORT SPONSORSHIP ‘NEEDS TO CHANGE’