The IOC Ethics Commission: Can It Truly Play Fair?
By Andy Miah
On April 17, 2001, outgoing International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Juan Antonio Samaranch announced the candidates for the upcoming presidential election, scheduled for July 16 in Moscow. This followed a low-profile press conference on April 2, where the IOC Ethics Commission outlined its rules for candidate conduct during the campaign. The introduction of the Ethics Commission to this process raises critical questions: Is the IOC genuinely committed to playing fair? And will ethics take a more prominent role within its constitution?
When I asked Ethics Commission Chairman Judge Keba Mbaye about the commission’s scope, he assured me it was open to “everything under the sun.” This response was encouraging in its openness but raised concerns about the lack of clarity in its approach. The Ethics Commission itself was established reactively, following scandals, rather than as a proactive measure to embed ethics within the IOC's structure. This context inevitably invites skepticism about the commission’s real purpose.
Ethics in Name or Practice?
The key challenge lies in how the IOC will leverage its Ethics Commission. Will "ethics" merely serve as a politically convenient term, or will it reflect the rigorous discourse found in academia? While the IOC is undoubtedly committed to certain principles, such as Olympism, the philosophy underpinning the Olympic Movement, it lacks the depth of ethical inquiry seen in academic fields. The IOC’s expertise lies in sport and governance, not ethical scholarship.
As an international, non-governmental organization, the IOC faces unique challenges in applying a universal framework for ethics. Yet, it seems reasonable to expect a commitment to ethical discourse and the exploration of diverse perspectives, reflecting the IOC's global reach. True progress would require the IOC to adopt practices that not only withstand scrutiny from academics but also demonstrate transparency and accountability.
Bridging Ethics and Action
The IOC is already involved in academic research through initiatives like the Olympic Museum in Lausanne and the International Olympic Academy in Olympia. These platforms fund and promote Olympic research, bridging the gap between academic theory and policy-making. However, the IOC could further strengthen its position by directly integrating ethical research into its decision-making processes. Doing so would allow it to justify its actions and ensure its core values, such as fair play and respect, evolve alongside societal expectations.
Ethics, when meaningfully pursued, must go beyond rhetorical aspirations. It requires the IOC to critically examine how these ideals are implemented across its structure and to empower its Ethics Commission to lead these discussions.
Looking Ahead
As the IOC prepares to elect its next president, Samaranch highlighted the importance of an "executive president" capable of uniting the organization’s various commissions. This unification could be achieved through an emphasis on ethics, fostering dialogue about the organization's core values and ensuring these principles are reflected in its operations.
The Olympic Movement is not solely about sports—it values cultural expression and education just as highly. By committing to robust ethical inquiry, the IOC has an opportunity to reinforce its legitimacy, invigorate its practices, and demonstrate a genuine commitment to fairness and integrity. This is not just about governance; it is about ensuring the Olympic Movement remains a force for good in a changing world.
Andy Miah, 2001
Originally published in Culture @ the Olympics, Vol. 1, Issue 1
www.culturalolympics.org.uk
