Giovanni Malagò, the president of the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI), spoke on the radio last week about the possible sanctions facing Italians in Tokyo if a government plan to exert more control over sport in the country isn’t changed.
The IOC has expressed concern over a new law in Italy, enacted in 2019, that allows the federal government the authority to reorganize CONI, its activities, and its internal organization.
CONI’s previous government funding is now to be divided between the Olympic Committee and the newly-formed Sport e Salute company, which is entirely state-owned by the ministry of economy, that distributes the income from state funds and financing. In essence, this gives the Italian government greater control over how much money goes to CONI and how that money is used.
Malagò warned that the ruling could lead to suspension of the National Olympic Committee from Olympic events, including preventing the Italian flag from waving and national anthem from being played
“The risk of going to Tokyo without an anthem and a flag is very high,” Malagò said. “Nobody wants sanctions, it would be scary. We hope that those who have the honor and responsibility to find the solution, at least keep their word, because by now everyone knows the risk we run.”
Malagò says that the IOC ‘raised doubts’ about the autonomy of CONI, saying that the autonomy of the Olympic committee is of vital importance for the IOC. The Olympic Charter says that national Olympic committees must operate independently of government influence, though with governments provide funding for Olympic committees in most of the world.
Malagò says that areas where neutrality and autonomy are necessary include the determination of the rules of sport and the definition of the structure and governance of sports.
Cooperation with governments is envisaged, but national committees must be independent of any political, economic, or religious influence.
Malagò says that any IOC decisions on possible sanctions that could be taken against Italy will come at its next executive board meeting on January 27.
Italy won 28 total medals at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games, including 8 gold, 12 silver, and 8 bronze medals. That put them 9th in the overall medals table, sorted by gold-silver-bronze order. Northern Italy, with anchor cities of Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, is scheduled to host the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.
I honestly didn’t know: “national committees must be independent of any political, economic, or religious influence” How are all the dictatorships doing in this aspect? NOTHING is independent from the leader in those countries,. In Hungary, all posts are approved by the little dictator Orban, and he can destroy and control anyone with a phone call
Ego and power? Why ? Feels lame to me. I have a heart for those who represent their country in these crazy times at this year’s games. I say set aside these issues and resolve it for the games.
I think there’s really no easy solution in this scenario. On the one hand, I understand why a federal government would want greater control over the organizations that it’s funding.
On the other hand, I understand why the IOC would insist on that not happening – athletes would turn into direct political pawns, ethnic minorities could be blocked from participation in other countries…it would be a really bad scenario.
The irony is that both desires could conceivably represent the same interest – to limit corruption and undue influence over sport; though, we don’t know that in every scenario they actually are.
Suspension of the Italian NOC would probably also lead to the suspension of Italian international officials (judges, referees, umpires etc) thereby barring them from officiating at any international event anywhere in the world, including the Olympics where many of them have been confirmed to officiate.
What a hot mess.
Get rid of all flags , all those awful anthems & just ta add some equality ,a random guillotine at the VIP entrance.
Hope this is sarcasm
Hard to tell with CornPop, isn’t it!?!??