IOC weighs more action on Kenya

A man walks past the Olympic rings before the opening of the 127th International Olympic Committee (IOC) session in Monaco in this December 8, 2014 file photo

National Olympic Committee of Kenya (Nock) could face further sanctions from the international body following a delay in holding elections.

In a strongly worded letter, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has threatened that it could be forced to take further action against Nock at its board meeting on July 9 and 10.

The IOC has already blocked funding to Nock and the threatened further action could either mean suspension of the country or individuals who could be seen to be delaying of polls.

According to IOC Deputy Director Pere Miro, they are disappointed by Nock’s apparent blame game on third parties over the current situation.

IOC also wondered why Nock are bringing up issues about their membership.

“It appears clearly that it is only the legal action initiated by Kenya Tae-kwondo Federation that resulted in the High Court order stopping the elections as a whole.

“In this regard, it would be interesting if you could clarify reasons why these issues about the membership of the Nock which was not called into question at the last extra-ordinary assembly,” said the IOC official.

The IOC further wants to know who could be behind the delay in holding elections and has challenged Nock to state why the tae-kwondo federation went to court to stop the elections instead of using the internal mechanisms.

He also challenges Nock to state what action they have taken against officials of the tae-kwondo federation for going to court.

“As things stand, we can only hope and wait for a prompt decision from the High Court in order for elections to go on.

“In the meantime, as there is obviously no progress in this situation, there is no reason why we should reconsider our decision to withhold payments and subsidies,” said the letter.

The IOC also rejected as baseless allegations by Nock officials that they are stalling the elections.