IOC suspends Afganistan

ATHENS, OCT 3: The International Olympic Committee IOC yesterday suspended Afghanistan8217;s Olympic Committee on grounds that it can no longer function under the Taliban regime in Kabul. IOC director general Francois Carrard said another organisation with headquarters in Kabul, under Taliban rule, claims it is recognised as a National Olympic Committee.

The old committee, 8220;does not control the sport anymore,8221; Carrard said. 8220;It8217;s practically disbanded. Its president is in exile.8221; The Taliban-run committee does not meet IOC requirements for recognition, he said. Among other things, the committee bans women from competing in sports.