Jordan’s Prince Feisal Al Hussein is campaigning to become the first IOC president from the Middle East, emphasizing his royal background and the geopolitical significance of his candidacy. He advocates for inclusivity in sports and flexibility in scheduling, especially for future Olympic events in the Middle East, and addresses concerns regarding gender participation and forced migration amidst regional conflicts.
Jordan’s Prince Feisal Al Hussein is vying to become the first president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) from the Middle East. Unlike traditional royal roles, he has spent the past six months campaigning for this position, emphasizing the advantages of coming from a family devoted to public service. Competing against six candidates, including World Athletics President Sebastian Coe, he seeks the votes of 111 IOC members, which includes prominent figures like Princess Anne and Prince Albert of Monaco.
His candidacy holds geopolitical significance, particularly in light of ongoing conflicts, as he highlights sports’ capacity to foster healing and unity. “We have seen the power of sports in being able to heal and bring peace to the world,” Prince Feisal stated. He also addressed the possibility of hosting the 2036 Summer Games in the Middle East, suggesting a shift in scheduling due to regional climate considerations.
To enable broader participation in the Olympic Games, Prince Feisal advocates for greater flexibility within international sports scheduling to accommodate various regions. He pointed out the necessity of this approach for the Middle East and beyond, stating, “…that is part of the Olympic legacy we’d like to see.”
Contrary to his brother Prince Ali’s views on excluding Israel from sports, Prince Feisal emphasizes inclusion, arguing that exclusion should only occur when the Olympic Charter is violated. Furthermore, he expressed opposition to forced migration, indicating that decisions must respect the aspirations of the Palestinian people.
Approaching sensitive topics such as women’s sports in Afghanistan, he supports women’s participation but acknowledges the sovereignty of nations in determining their own laws. He articulated, “I would encourage them to allow women to participate in life… but I can’t force people to change laws.”
On the contentious issue of gender eligibility in sports, the prince did not support a blanket IOC ban, advocating for each sport’s governing body to make its decisions based on scientific criteria. He stressed the importance of fairness and safety for all competitors, affirming, “The international federation is in a far better position to make that determination than the IOC.”
Prince Feisal Al Hussein’s candidacy for the IOC presidency highlights not only his royal lineage but also the potential for geopolitical impact stemming from this election. His emphasis on healing through sports, inclusivity, and flexibility in scheduling for global participation reflects a modern vision for the Olympics. Additionally, his positions on sensitive issues such as migration, women’s sports, and gender eligibility demonstrate his commitment to fairness and inclusivity in the athletic world, ensuring that large-scale decisions consider the diverse voices within the international community.
Original Source: news.sky.com
