Sports policy: Rio scandal: IOC suspends former Sprintstar Fredericks

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has suspended the former sprint star Frankie Fredericks (50) because of his alleged involvement in the scandal surrounding the 2016 summer games being awarded to Rio de Janeiro. This was announced by the IOC on Tuesday in a press release.

“In view of the gravity and urgency of the situation and its impact on the IOC’s standing, the IOC executive has decided to release Mr. Frank Fredericks from all rights, privileges and functions he has as an IOC member,”the Communication stated.

The Namibian Fredericks was indicted last week by a Paris court for “passive corruption and money laundering”. He had previously been questioned. Fredericks has been an IOC member since 2012 and is said to have received about $300,000 (€262,000) from Papa Massata Diack, son of Lamine Diack, former president of the IAAF, one day before the 2009 bid for Rio.

Most recently, Carlos Arthur Nuzman, former President of the Brazilian Olympic Committee COB, was officially charged with the corruption scandal surrounding the award of the Rio Games. In addition to money laundering and violations of foreign exchange regulations, he is also accused of belonging to a criminal organisation. Nuzman is said to have bought votes for the Olympic award to the Brazilian metropolis.