Body blow to Iraq athletes' hopes

The hopes and aspirations of seven Iraqi athletes were dealt a body blow by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) with Iraq being banned from participating in the Beijing Olympics next month. The reason offered has been one of 'political interference' by the government in the affairs of Iraq's National Olympic Committee - a process that is frowned upon by the IOC given that sport should be above politics at all times. Iraq has been suspended before, both by the IOC and Fifa, world football's governing body. The ban by the latter was later lifted and the Iraqi football team went on to become an Asian success story, even coming agonisingly close to qualifying for the World Cup. Even though the ban may not be final it will serve to severely puncture Iraq's international sporting reputation and the aspirations of its athletes and youth, many of whom turn to sport for succour.