‘Oman an Olympic values leader’
John Coates, International Court of Arbitration for Sport director appreciated Oman’s national sports disputes resolution mechanism
MUSCAT: Oman is a leader when it comes to upholding the values of the Olympic spirit and observing fair play and true sportsmanship.
That’s according to John Coates, the director of the International Court of Arbitration for Sport (ICAS), which is holding their biannual meeting in the Sultanate, the first time. “We recognise that in Oman, you have legislation to establish your own sports tribunal for national disputes, and we recognise that in this regard, Oman is a leader, certainly among the Gulf countries, and across many parts of the world,” he said.
“It is critical that the athletes want a level playing field, and that the sports they participate in are conducted according to the rel- evant rules. They want to know that their sports are administered properly.”
“We were invited here by Oman’s National Olympic Committee, and we normally have two council meetings every year. We try to take one of those meetings around the world, and we accepted the invite to come here,” added Coates. “I would advise all athletes in Oman to be confident that they are practising sports in a country that respects its integrity.”
“From everything I have seen here, that is the case, and if there are any disputes, I am sure the athletes here will take comfort in the fact that these will be resolved swiftly,” added the Australian. “Very few cases have come to trial in Oman, and I realise that this is because when everyone sits down, there is a reputation here for being friendly and not at all aggressive.”
Eighteen of the 20 members of ICAS had come to Oman for the meeting, which was only the second of its kind in the Middle East.
“It is important for us to connect with the National Olympic Committees of the member nations of Olympics throughout the world,” said Matthieu Reeb, secretary general of the ICAS. “One of our annual meetings is always held in our headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, and we use these meetings to create strong bonds of friendship with our host nation,” he said.