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IOC13 Dec 2025, 22:30 from InsideTheGames
LA28 chairman Casey Wasserman met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, praising his leadership despite ongoing accusations of corruption and human rights violations related to the conflict in Gaza. This occurred as the IOC reaffirmed athletes' rights to political neutrality and the Olympic Truce, while facing criticism for its stance on Israel's participation in the Olympics and its reluctance to impose sanctions similar to those on Russia and Belarus. The Court of Arbitration for Sport denied Israel’s gymnastics body’s appeals against the International Gymnastics Federation. The IOC's actions are drawing comparisons to Wasserman's previous praise of President Trump.
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IOC22 Oct 2025, 21:12 from IOC
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board (EB) is taking measures to ensure all athletes have access to countries hosting international competitions. Following visa denials for Israeli athletes at the 53rd International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta, the IOC EB has decided to end dialogue with the NOC of Indonesia regarding hosting future Olympic events until guarantees are provided. The IOC EB recommends that IFs not host events in Indonesia and will adapt Olympic Games qualification principles to include athlete access guarantees in hosting agreements. The IOC EB requested meetings with the NOC of Indonesia and the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) to discuss the situation.
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IOC18 Oct 2025, 07:18 from SportsIn
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has condemned Indonesia's denial of visas to Israeli gymnasts for the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, emphasizing the need for political neutrality in sports and protecting athletes' rights to compete. The IOC's statement, released on October 17, highlights the importance of the Olympic Charter and UN resolutions in maintaining the autonomy of sport and ensuring athletes can compete freely.
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IF14 Aug 2025, 20:33 from InsideTheGames
Chinese swimmer Yu Zidi, 12, won a bronze medal at the World Championships in Singapore, sparking debate about the appropriateness of young athletes competing at such high levels. While World Aquatics allows younger swimmers who meet qualifying standards, concerns have been raised about the pressure and potential risks to young athletes. Other federations like the International Skating Union, World Athletics, the International Gymnastics Federation, the International Federation of Sport Climbing, World Taekwondo and the International Hockey Federation have stricter age limits to protect young athletes.
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IF23 Jul 2025, 18:40 from InsideTheGames
FIDE has approved the participation of a Russian women's chess team in the 2025 Women's World Team Championship in Linares, Spain, under a neutral flag, pending IOC approval. This decision aligns with FIDE's policy since February 2022, allowing Russian and Belarusian players to compete as neutrals. The move follows a January 2025 resolution permitting neutral teams of vulnerable groups in team competitions and adheres to IOC guidelines, barring national symbols. While the Russian Chess Federation's membership was briefly suspended in June 2024, it was later overturned. The team's return to competition is notable, despite some criticism and ongoing efforts to fully reinstate Russian athletes.