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IOC Blasts “Illegal” Elections Back To Main

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The IOC is denouncing “completely illegal” elections in Pakistan.

Pakistan enters the opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympics in London. (Getty Images)

A rival Pakistan Olympic Association calling itself the “interim committee” and claiming legitimacy over the Olympic Movement in Pakistan called for new elections on July 5.

However, in a statement to Around the Rings, an IOC spokesperson said it will not recognize the elections.

“The elections are completely illegal and clearly go against the position of the IOC, which we have communicated to this group on more than one occasion,” the statement said.

“It is important to note that the legitimate POA has done nothing wrong. The 'interim committee' is acting outside of the legitimate POA and we encourage them to raise any problems that they may have within the legal structure and competent bodies of the POA.”

Following the May 30 IOC Executive Board meeting, the EB warned the breakaway group a suspension from the Olympic Movement is possible if the group continues to “disrupt the operations” of the recognized POA and ignore communication from the IOC.