Italy risk Olympic exclusion over new sports law, says IOC

Lausanne, Wednesday

Italy’s place at next year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo is in danger after the  International Olympic Committee (IOC) warned the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) of “serious concerns” about a proposed new sports law.

The letter, which was addressed to CONI president Giovanni Malago and has been seen by AFP, said the legislation  “would clearly affect the autonomy of CONI”.

The letter, disclosed Tuesday in the Corriere de la Serra newspaper, recalled the fundamental principles of Olympism whereby membership of the Olympic movement “requires compliance with the Olympic Charter and recognition by the IOC.”

James Macleod, director of Olympic Solidarity and NOC Relations, who signed the letter, said the new legislation would not conform to the Olympic charter.      -AFP