Cliff Notes – Jordan’s Prince Feisal seeks to become the IOC’s leader
- Prince Feisal Al Hussein’s candidacy for the IOC presidency marks a unique royal effort, emphasising sport’s role in fostering peace and healing amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
- The prince opposes the exclusion of countries like Israel from sports, advocating for inclusion as long as there is no violation of the Olympic charter.
- He acknowledges the need for flexibility in Olympic scheduling to accommodate potential Middle Eastern host bids, as well as the importance of scientific-based approaches to gender eligibility in sport.
Jordan’s Prince Feisal seeks to become the IOC’s leader – The first leader from Middle East
It takes sport to place royals in such an unfamiliar situation – seeking election rather than just inheriting the throne as Jordan’s Prince Feisal seeks to become the IOC’s leader.
Jordan’s Prince Feisal Al Hussein has spent the last six months campaigning, within tight constraints, to become president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
And the brother of King Abdullah II touts the benefits of being from a royal household in his pitch for votes from the 111 IOC members, including Princess Anne and Monaco’s Prince Albert.
“I’ve been born into a family that’s dedicated to service,” reflecting on the work he and his brother are doing in the middle east, in trying to maintain peace.
There are six rivals, including World Athletics President Sebastian Coe, in the vote that takes place in Greece on Thursday. But this contest looks like a forgone conclusion for Jordans prince, as he seems to have garnered the most support.
‘A fantastic tool for healing’
Trying to become the first IOC leader from the Middle East means geopolitical dimensions to his candidacy and this interview – especially against the backdrop of an Israeli genocide.
“We’ve seen the power of sports in being able to heal particularly and to bring peace and unity to the world,” Prince Feisal said.
“It’s not going to solve wars, but it is a fantastic tool for healing.”
With that the focus turns to 2036 and the Summer Games slot without a host yet.
Middle East staging the biggest show on Earth
The Middle East staging the biggest show on Earth could require shifting from a usual summer slot around July and August to much earlier or later in the year when the heat is not as fierce.
Qatar and Saudi Arabia are both touted as potential bids having built infrastructure as past and future hosts of the men’s World Cup.