Baghdad, Iraq – The Iraqi National Olympic Committee announced that its president, Dr. Aqeel Muften, who was sanctioned last month by the United States for alleged ties to Iran, has delegated temporary management of the Olympic Committee’s affairs to his first deputy until his legal case is resolved.
The committee confirmed that the move comes in response to “work requirements.” This ensures the continuation of Iraqi sports activities without any disruption that might affect the participation of national teams and federations in international events.
Legal authorization and prior coordination with the International Olympic Committee
In a statement issued Friday evening, the committee said the decision to grant the authority came at the initiative of Dr. Aqeel Muften, in accordance with applicable legal procedures. Under this decision, First Deputy Abdul Salam Khalaf was authorized to manage the committee’s affairs with temporary powers.
She explained that the International Olympic Committee was officially notified of the procedure more than two weeks ago. She added that Abdul Salam Khalaf appeared on Saturday morning as “acting president” on the official page dedicated to Iraq on the International Olympic Committee’s website.
Background to the sanctions… and a captivating stance
The US Treasury Department imposed sanctions last October on Aqil Muftan and his brother, accusing them of maintaining “close ties with senior officials in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps’ intelligence service.” It also accused them of helping to “generate and transfer funds to Iraqi militias linked to the Quds Force.”
In response, Muftin denied the accusations, asserting that he had tasked a specialized legal team to contact the US Treasury and “refute the claims.” He stated that what was published “has no basis in reality” and aims to “distort and create confusion.”
The position of the Iraqi government
This latest development comes in light of a previously announced Iraqi government position following the imposition of sanctions. Baghdad affirmed its commitment to “transparent procedures that guarantee the protection of public funds,” while rejecting any “external guardianship or interference” in its internal affairs.
Transitional phase until a decision is reached
The Iraqi Olympic Committee is currently undergoing a transitional phase while awaiting the outcome of the legal proceedings in the Muftan case. This comes amidst assurances that sporting activities will continue without disruption, in full coordination with the International Olympic Committee, to ensure that Iraq’s participation in upcoming events is not affected.
