The Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee –IOC– has approved the creation of a Working Group aimed at reinforcing the protection of the Fundamental Principles of Olympism, with a particular focus on political neutrality. The decision is part of the strategic process “Fit for the Future” and seeks to ensure that the Olympic Movement maintains its ability to unite the world through peaceful competition.

The IOC stressed that “every victim of war is one too many” and reiterated that differences between nations must be resolved through dialogue. The organisation expressed its concern about the impact of armed conflicts on international competitions and on athletes’ opportunities to participate.

Impact on international competitions

The IOC warned about the disruption of tournaments in several regions, restrictions of entry for athletes into host countries, and boycotts or cancellations triggered by political tensions. According to the institution, these actions directly affect athletes’ right to compete under equal conditions and reduce the capacity of the Olympic Movement to fulfil its integrative role.

The Olympic Charter establishes that “sport occurs within the framework of society” and that sports organisations within the Olympic Movement must apply political neutrality. This principle has been repeatedly reaffirmed in resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly –UN-, which recognise the autonomy of sport and endorse the institutional independence of the IOC.

Paris 2024 as a reference of coexistence

The experience of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games was cited by the Executive Board as a model of coexistence within the Olympic Movement. Athletes from all 206 National Olympic Committees –NOCs– and from the Refugee Olympic Team shared the Olympic Village and competed under a framework of neutrality and respect, without significant political incidents.

Looking ahead to the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, the IOC noted that it is working on a plan to ensure the participation of all NOCs, in line with the principle of universality enshrined in the Olympic Charter.

Reinforcing institutional values

The creation of the Working Group responds to the need to protect the foundations of Olympism in a complex international context. This body will have the mission of strengthening the mechanisms that guarantee political neutrality in competitions and preserving the independent character of the Olympic Movement.

The IOC emphasised that athletes, through their participation in international competitions, play an essential role as representatives of Olympic values and as ambassadors of peace in the global sporting arena.