Exclusive: Failing to get IOC recognition ‘not the end of the world’ says IFAF President

By Ismail Uddin

If the IOC decides against approving the International Federation of American Football’s (IFAF) application to be an IOC recognised sport it will not be the ‘end of the world’ according to President Tommy Wiking.

IFAF have made an application to be IOC recognised with the Olympic governing body making their decision in May.

“If we don’t get the recognition it’s not the end of the world. It just means our work is not getting recognised right now. It’s something that may be a break for us,” he told iSportconnect.

Sweden native, Wiking suggested an important aspect of being accredited is it will allow for greater funding opportunities for a number of countries.

“For our members it means they can apply for membership and funding from the National Olympic Committees in each of their countries. In some countries this doesn’t mean anything because the system is different. But in some countries it can mean everything because unless you are a member of the International Olympic Committee you can’t get funding in those countries.

Wiking, who is pictured (left) with FISU president Claude-Louis Gallien following their recent partnership, believes the deal will provide them more recognition in the IOC’s eyes.

“It is one of many pieces that show that we are a sports federation that has value to work with. The partnership with them (FISU) and the world university championship is very important. It will help spread American Football around the world and that will interest the right people,” he added.

Read the full interview here>>

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