The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has reaffirmed its decision to ban any form of political, social, and ideological protest at the upcoming Tokyo Games.
Taking a knee, raising a fist, and wearing clothing that says Black Lives Matter will not be allowed. If athletes break the rules, they will face punishments.
Athletes across the world have started wearing the BLM phrase on t-shirts, arm bands, and other clothing attire.
Some have even gone as far as to taking a knee during the national anthem to protest police brutality, particularly in America.
However, athletes have been warned against any form of protest at the upcoming Olympic Games in Tokyo.
Slogans such as “peace,” “respect,” “solidarity,” “inclusion,” and “equality” will be allowed at the Games, however.
The IOC has not yet made clear what the punishment would be for athletes who violate the rules.
The decision upholds the Olympics’ Rule 50, which addresses the “demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda” on the playing field, at the medal stand, or during the Games’ official ceremonies.
According to TMZ Sports, the phrase BLM will be allowed at press conferences, during interviews, and at team meetings.
The IOC conducted a review last year and spoke to 3,500 athletes about their feelings on political protests at the Games.
The IOC’s Athletes’ Commission chief Kirsty Coventry said she has consulted with many athletes about the rule and the majority support the ban on Black Lives Matter.
“I would not want something to distract from my competition and take away from that. That is how I still feel today,” she said.
“A very clear majority of athletes said that they think it’s not appropriate to demonstrate or express their views on the field of play, at the official ceremonies or at the podium.
“So our recommendation is to preserve the podium, field of play and official ceremonies from any kind of protest or demonstrations or acts perceived as such.”
The Tokyo Games were due to be held last year, but had to be delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Good it doesn’t belong anywhere in sports.It’s an idea remember.Keep it out!
Sports and politics do not play well together.
I hope the rules are enforced and punishment is swift and severe (no “wrist slaps”). All has been warned early enough. There shouldn’t be any reason to allow any of it. If it were me, all references to anything political by athletes, announcers or officials, should result in instant ejection from the contest and Olympics. Put “big teeth” in the punishment!
This is good, need to be like that everywhere, all I can say they better not come around me because I will drop the lazy freeloader’s thugs,
This is good if everybody would do this, and drop them, if they come around me I will drop them.
FUCK ALL YOU SORRY ASS BASTARDS, DON’T LET ME SAY ANYTHING.
Good!
Huzzah for the IOC. At least there’s someplace in sports where we can escape politics for a while.