Back to the Olympics Newsfeed

Mal Whitfield, two-time Olympic 800m champ, dies at 91

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico’s participation in next year’s Olympics could be in jeopardy because of a conflict between the government and national sports federations.

The sports bodies are facing financial inspections by a national government agency, which is questioning how funds are being spent.

The International Olympic Committee opposes political interference in national sports bodies. Last month, it suspended Kuwait’s national Olympic committee over government interference, leaving the country’s athletes in limbo for the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro.

“It would be a tragedy if Mexico does not participate in the Olympics, although I hope it doesn’t come to that,” said Carlos Padilla Becerra, president of Mexico’s national Olympic committee.