IOC warns Ecuador of sanctions over Olympic Committee intervention

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has issued a stern warning to Ecuador, threatening sanctions over what it calls "clear governmental interference" in the Ecuadorian Olympic Committee (COE). The IOC expressed "great concern" over the temporary state intervention, stating it violates the Olympic Charter.

In a letter to Ecuador's Minister of Education, Deporte y Cultura, Gilda Alcívar, the IOC outlined potential consequences, including the "suspension or withdrawal of recognition" of the national Olympic committee. Such a measure would bar any Ecuadorian delegation from participating in or representing Ecuador at multideporting events.

“

This resolution constitutes clear governmental interference and a violation of the Olympic Charter. Therefore, we respectfully request that you reconsider this decision; otherwise, the COE would be exposed to the protective measures provided for in the Olympic Charter.

This could impact athletes aiming for the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar 2026, the Pan American Games in Lima 2027, and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, among others. The Ecuadorian Vice Minister of Sport, Roberto Ibáñez, acknowledged receiving the IOC's invitation for a meeting to discuss the issue and "avoid future sanctions." He views this as an opportunity for the government to present its "duly argued position."

The ministry justified the intervention as a measure to "guarantee the continuity of the institution's functions and adequate attention to athletes." This action follows issues surrounding the reelection of Jorge Delgado as COE president in May 2025, a reelection that faced challenges from local bodies despite IOC endorsement. The dispute centers on continuous reelection prohibitions within sports organizations.

“

We have received a letter from the International Olympic Committee where they invite us to a meeting to address this issue and avoid future sanctions. This is the great opportunity we have been seeking as a government to present our duly argued position. The country's laws are respected.