Prince Feisal Al Hussein Pursues IOC Presidency as Pioneering Figure from the Middle East
Jordan’s Prince Feisal Al Hussein is campaigning to become the first IOC leader from the Middle East amid geopolitical challenges. He emphasizes the unifying power of sports and advocates for inclusivity while opposing territorial bans. His vision includes flexibility in hosting future Olympic events and the promotion of women’s participation in sports worldwide, signifying a progressive approach to IOC leadership.
Jordan’s Prince Feisal Al Hussein is striving for election as the first leader of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) from the Middle East, campaigning for the past six months amid geopolitical tensions. His background as a royal is presented as an asset for garnering support from the 111 IOC members, including notable figures such as Princess Anne and Prince Albert of Monaco. In a competitive race, he faces six rivals including Sebastian Coe, President of World Athletics, with the election taking place in Greece soon.
Prince Feisal emphasizes the unifying power of sports, stating, “We have seen the power of sports in being able to heal particularly and to bring peace and unity to the world.” He acknowledges the limitations of sports in solving conflicts but insists it serves as an essential remedy for fostering harmony globally. With an eye toward 2036, he advocates for a more flexible Olympic Games calendar, suggesting it could accommodate countries in the Middle East, such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia, which are already investing in major infrastructure.
In discussions regarding inclusivity, Prince Feisal clearly differentiates his stance from that of his brother, Prince Ali, who oversees Jordan’s football federation. He asserts, “I am not for exclusion. I believe in inclusion,” emphasizing that bans should only occur when violations of the Olympic charter are present. He maintains that respect for this document is crucial, asserting that sports and politics should not exclude anyone unjustly.
Amid ongoing hostilities in Gaza, Prince Feisal stresses the importance of prioritizing the desires of the Palestinian people concerning their future, firmly opposing any forced migration. He expresses his willingness to collaborate with political figures like President Trump as preparations continue for the Los Angeles 2028 Games, noting that peace is built through justice and hope rather than merely ending conflicts.
As Vice Chair of the IOC’s gender, diversity, and inclusion commission, Prince Feisal is questioned about women’s sports in Afghanistan, highlighting his hope for their inclusion but acknowledging each country’s sovereignty. He encourages countries to permit women’s participation in life and sports, recognizing that systemic change is ultimately their decision. He also clarifies that the IOC members would need to reach a consensus should any changes to the charter regarding gender equality arise.
Prince Feisal remains open to discussing gender eligibility in sports by emphasizing a scientific approach, opposing blanket bans on transgender women in women’s competitions. He articulates a desire for international sports federations to make the final determinations rather than the IOC, advocating for specialization at the sport level to ensure fairness and safety for all athletes involved.
Prince Feisal Al Hussein’s campaign for the IOC presidency signifies a pivotal moment for Middle Eastern representation in global sports leadership. His emphasis on inclusion, flexibility in event scheduling, and a hopeful vision for peace reflect a broader geopolitical context. Additionally, his position on gender issues and political collaboration underscores the complexities facing sports today. As the IOC approaches election day, the implications of his candidacy resonate far beyond athletics, aiming to unite communities through shared values inherent in the Olympic spirit.
Original Source: news.sky.com
