IOC Issue Statement on Banning USA From Olympics After Donald Trump Threats

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has addressed speculation around the participation of American athletes at the upcoming Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.

Earlier this month, Donald Trump confirmed that US troops had carried out a “large-scale strike” on Venezuela and captured its president, Nicolas Maduro, and his wife, Cilia Flores, following strikes on the country.

As well as Venezuela, the US has taken military action in Nigeria, while potential operations in Greenland, Mexico, Colombia and Iran have also been mentioned in recent weeks.

Amid controversy over their actions, questions have been raised around America's foreign policy as they prepare to host this summer's World Cup, as well as the Olympics in 2028.

In fact, a group of cross-party MPs have signed a motion in parliament, calling on international sporting bodies to consider expelling the US from major international competitions, including the World Cup, until it demonstrates "clear compliance with international law and respect for the sovereignty of other nations".

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Donald Trump was awarded the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize in December. Image credit: Getty

They express concern over "the escalation of United States actions against Venezuela, including the use of military force, the kidnapping of President Nicolás Maduro, and ongoing military strikes in Venezuelan territory."

The motion adds: "These actions are a direct intervention in the internal affairs of a sovereign state and were widely condemned by United Nations as violations of Venezuelan sovereignty and international law.

"The repeated veiled and overt threats made by senior United States officials towards other sovereign states, including Denmark, Colombia and Cuba; believes that this conduct undermines the rules-based international order."

Despite calls to expel them from major international competitions, however, the International Olympic Committee has confirmed Team USA will compete at the upcoming Winter Games.

"As a global organisation, the IOC has to manage a complex reality. The IOC has to deal with the current political context and the latest developments in the world," a statement read, as per BBC Sport.

"The ability to bring athletes together, no matter where they come from, is fundamental to the future of values-based, truly global sport, which can give hope to the world."

The IOC has ruled out the exclusion of American athletes from the 2026 Winter Olympics. Image credit: Getty

The statement added: "For this reason, the IOC cannot involve itself directly in political matters or conflicts between countries, as these fall outside our remit. This is the realm of politics."

This year's Winter Olympics, which will be held at sites across Lombardy and Northeast Italy, will take place from February 6 to February 22.