IOC takes measures to protect athletes

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IOC takes measures to protect athletes

Oct 23, 2025

During its September meeting, the Executive Board (EB) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) expressed concern about restrictions on athletes’ access to host countries, as well as boycotts and the cancellation of competitions due to political tensions. The EB stated: “These actions deprive athletes of their right to compete peacefully and prevent the Olympic Movement from demonstrating the power of sport.”

Following the cancellation of visas for Israeli athletes by the Indonesian government for the 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta, the IOC Executive Board met remotely this week to discuss both this specific situation and the recurring global issue of athletes’ access to international competitions. The IOC reiterated its principled stance: all eligible athletes, teams, and sports officials must be able to participate in international sporting events and competitions without any form of discrimination by the host country, in accordance with the Olympic Charter and the fundamental principles of non-discrimination, autonomy, and political neutrality that govern the Olympic Movement.

To prevent similar situations in the future, the IOC Executive Board decided the following:

End any form of dialogue with the Indonesian NOC regarding the hosting of future editions of the Olympic Games, Youth Olympic Games, Olympic events, or conferences until the Indonesian government provides the IOC with adequate guarantees that it will allow entry into the country for all participants, regardless of nationality.
Recommend that all International Federations refrain from organizing any international sports events or meetings in Indonesia until the Indonesian government provides adequate guarantees to the International Federations that it will allow entry into the country for all participants, regardless of nationality.
Adapt the Olympic Qualification Principles by requesting that International Federations include access guarantees to the respective country for all athletes in their host agreements for any Olympic qualification competition worldwide.
Request that the Indonesian NOC and the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) come to the IOC headquarters in Lausanne to discuss the situation that occurred before the 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships.

The IOC Executive Board took the opportunity to remind all stakeholders in the Olympic Movement of the importance of free and unhindered access to the respective host country so that all participants can attend international competitions without restrictions.