Prince Feisal Al Hussein of Jordan is campaigning to become the first IOC president from the Middle East, emphasizing geopolitical aspects of his candidacy. He advocates for inclusion, flexibility in hosting, and the power of sports for healing and unity. His views on women’s involvement in sports and gender eligibility underscore a desire for equitable representation in the Olympic framework.
Jordan’s Prince Feisal Al Hussein is campaigning to become the first president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) from the Middle East, a significant endeavor given the current geopolitical climate. He has been actively engaged in his candidacy for six months, emphasizing the importance of his royal heritage in his appeal to the 111 IOC members, which includes notable figures such as Princess Anne and Prince Albert of Monaco. “I have been born into a family that is dedicated to service,” he stated in an interview with Sky News.
His candidacy is not without competition, as he faces six rivals, including World Athletics President Sebastian Coe, with the election scheduled to take place in Greece. This situation positions him to potentially influence the IOC during a pivotal time, particularly with discussions surrounding the 2036 Summer Games, which currently lacks a host city. “One of the challenges…is that it is not an appropriate environment to have the Olympic Games,” Prince Feisal remarked regarding the scheduling.
Prince Feisal advocates for a flexible approach to hosting the Olympics, suggesting that it would allow various countries, especially in the Middle East, to participate. He believes that accommodating different geographical locations can extend the Olympic legacy by fostering global enthusiasm and engagement. “It is the imagination, the enthusiasm of being able to do that that is part of the Olympic legacy,” he emphasized.
In contrast to his brother, Prince Ali, who leads Jordan’s football federation, Prince Feisal supports inclusion over exclusion within sports. He expressed that as long as there is no violation of the Olympic charter, there should be no bans. “I am not for exclusion. I believe in inclusion,” he remarked when discussing various political contexts, including the challenges presented by the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The prince also stressed the significance of humanitarian principles in relation to conflicts, stating that decisions regarding populations should reflect their desires rather than external pressures. He articulated, “It should be what the Palestinian people want, not what the rest of us want.”
Regarding women’s participation in sports, particularly in Afghanistan, Prince Feisal commented on the importance of inclusion. He stated his desire for Afghan women to engage in sports but acknowledged that each sovereign nation must determine its own regulations. He mentioned, “I would encourage them to allow women to participate…for their benefit.”
On the topic of gender participation in sports, particularly regarding the IOC’s policies, Prince Feisal advocated for scientific-based approaches to eligibility rather than blanket bans. He conveyed that individual sports federations should make determinations about gender eligibility rather than the IOC itself, expressing concern over the complexities that could arise from the IOC’s direct involvement in such matters. “The international [sports] federation is in a far better position to make that determination than the IOC,” he concluded.
Prince Feisal Al Hussein’s campaign for the presidency of the IOC is marked by his emphasis on inclusion, humanitarian principles, and flexible hosting options for the Olympics. He recognizes the geopolitical dimensions of his candidacy and advocates for the potential of sports as a means for healing and unity. His views on women’s participation and gender eligibility reflect a commitment to making the IOC a more inclusive body while navigating complex regional and global challenges.
Original Source: news.sky.com
