Top Olympic Committee Issues Ban On Political Gestures During 2020 Games

The International Olympic Committee said Thursday that competitors in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics will be barred from making political gestures during the Games.

“It is important, on both a personal and a global level, that we keep the venues, the Olympic Village and the podium neutral and free from any form of political, religious or ethnic demonstrations,” the committee said in a statement explaining the new guidelines.

According to the committee, athletes will be prohibited from “protesting” or “demonstrating” on the field of play; in the Olympic Village; during Olympic medal ceremonies; and during the opening, closing or other official ceremonies. They said any kind of political messaging on signs or clothing qualifies as a protest, as well as gestures and any “refusal to follow the Ceremonies protocol.”