India Could Face IOC Suspension

India may be suspended by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) because of government interference in the forthcoming election of its national Olympic body, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).

In a letter to the IOA, the IOC said it will propose the country’s suspension at its executive board meeting next week if the elections do adhere strictly to the Olympic Charter and the IOA constitution.

“It is hereby confirmed that a proposal for suspension of the IOA will be presented to the IOC Executive Board at its next meeting on 4-5 December 2012,” IOC director general Christophe de Kepper wrote in a letter to IOA acting chief V.K. Malhotra.

The IOA has been ordered by a Delhi court to hold the elections adhering to the government’s sports code, but the IOC wants the governing body to follow by the Olympic charter.

The IOC has blamed a lack of cooperation from the Indian government and the IOA for the current situation.

“The issues at hand have been discussed for more than two years and have unfortunately not been resolved adequately by the Government authorities and the IOA in spite of all the efforts made by the IOC,” the letter said.

“Consequently, the IOC and Olympic Council of Asia will not send delegates to India at this stage.”

The IOA will have to write to the IOC by Friday the elections, to be held on December 5, will be held without government interference.{jcomments on}