‘Kuwait to join events only when its flag is raised’ – Kuwait event stripped of Olympic status over Israeli ban

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KUWAIT CITY, Nov 15, (Agencies): Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Al- Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah said on Sunday Kuwait would participate in sports events only when its flag was raised. Speaking to reporters following a National Assembly session, Sheikh Salman Sabah wondered: “Could we, Kuwaitis, accept participation in tournaments and championships that don’t respect our flag and State?”

The minister emphasized that this issue is of paramount significance to the Public Authority for Sports (PAS). He added that efforts were being exerted to reform and restructure the sports situation in general in order to restore Kuwait’s previous prestigious position and to regain its sports role. “We are acting in line with commitments issued through Legislation No. 26/2012 regarding non-interference in administrative and technical matters. Kuwait’s legal position in this regard is very clear,” he said.

Asked about the single-vote mechanism for sports clubs’ elections, which was recommended by the parliamentary youth and sports committee, the minister said: “It’s just parliamentary jurisprudence, but, more importantly, we seek to reorganize the sports situation.” Asked if the FIFA’s ban on Kuwait could be lifted, paving the way for Kuwait to participate in World Cup and Asian Cup qualifiers, Sheikh Salman said: “The ball is now in the court of those who sought to suspend the sports activity.

They are the only persons who can lift the suspension.” He concluded by reiterating the Kuwaiti government’s refusal to joint sports events under the umbrella of the Olympic flag. The Asian Shooting Championship lost its Olympics qualifying status on Thursday (Oct 29) after tournament hosts Kuwait banned an Israeli official from taking part.

The International Olympic Committee executive board said it had revoked the qualification status of the Nov 1 to12 event following a request from the International Sports Shooting Federation (ISSF). Kuwait had denied a visa to Israeli Yair Davidovich who was due to supervise the event. “The denial of a visa is against the non-discrimination principle of the Olympic Charter,” said an IOC statement.

Another reason for Thursday’s decision is the fact that the Kuwait National Olympic Committee is currently suspended by the IOC due to government interference.

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