IOC to recommend not to hold international competitions in Spain over Kosovo athletes

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is considering recommending international federations not to hold competitions in Spain unless the government in Madrid "guarantees access not only to Kosovo but to every athlete to compete."

The IOC deputy general Pere Miró said in an interview with the sports news outlet Inside The Games that the organization is "ready" to make the suggestion.

"We cannot suspend a country and we cannot say they cannot organise events there," he told the newspaper. "But we are totally ready to say that and this is what we will say now - international federations, please before awarding any competition, make sure you have all the guarantees that all athletes will be welcome in Spain,” he added.

World karate championship

The IOC high official remarks come as the world karate championship came to an end on Sunday in Madrid.