BAGHDAD: The International Olympic Committee has confirmed a ban on Iraq from competing in the Beijing Games in a major blow to seven Iraqi athletes who had hoped to travel to China, an IOC letter said.

In the letter dated July 23 and addressed to Iraqi Youth and Sports Minister Jassem Jaafar, the IOC said it was moving ahead with a ban first imposed on the country's athletes last month.

"In spite of all the joint efforts of IOC and OCA (Olympic Council of Asia), over the last months to find a positive solution with the Iraqi government authorities, we regretfully inform you that the decision of the IOC executive board dated June 4, 2008 to suspend the National Olympic Committee of Iraq is confirmed," said the letter.

"We deeply regret this outcome which severely harms the Iraqi Olympic and Sports Movement and the Iraqi athletes but which is unfortunately imposed by the circumstances."

The IOC suspended Iraq for "political interference" in its national Olympic committee which was sacked in May and replaced by a new panel headed by Jaafar.
It had warned that sanctions could be imposed after the committee and other sports bodies were disbanded. -- AFP