IOC Meets Gambian Sports Officials

(ATR) The IOC held a meeting with Gambian Olympic and government officials, continuing a long line of sport troubles for the country.

In a statement released on Friday, a clearly frustrated IOC said it met with the Gambian National Olympic Committee and government leaders regarding "the regrettable situation faced by the GNOC."

The meeting was led by IOC Executive Board member Patrick Hickey in his role as NOC troubleshooter for the IOC.

The government shut down the GNOC office in April and has questioned the legitimacy of August 2013 GNOC elections.

"Despite numerous requests from the IOC to the highest authorities of the country, the GNOC office has not yet re-opened, and the GNOC is unable to operate normally," the IOC said.

"The IOC confirmed, once again, that the GNOC election process, which took place more than a year ago, had been held in accordance with the Olympic Charter, the GNOC Constitution and all IOC directives and that, as a result, there was no reason to question it."

Troubles for the GNOC have persisted "for too long" the IOC added.

Poor relations with the government extend until at least 2011 when the country’s IOC member was jailed. Authorities accused her of stealing money from the GNOC. She was never convicted of any wrongdoing.

The IOC requested a number of conditions be met, including returning all GNOC property to the GNOC, the end of any travel bans for GNOC members, ensuring the country’s new sports bill is in line with the Olympic Charter and a "commitment" to building fruitful relationships with the GNOC and government.

In October, the IOC Executive Board is expected to review the case, the IOC said, "and appropriate decisions will be taken depending on the progress made."

Written by Ed Hula III

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