Boycotts and celebrations over the World Cup in Qatar and the Olympics in China in February have marked much debate in the sporting movement over the past year.

– We must not compromise on our own values, I am very concerned about that. Having a clear and sharp voice is important, Berit Kjøll told NTB.

He highlighted the sign of the national football team for human rights related to the World Cup in Qatar and the winter athletes who have chosen to do the same with the aim of the Olympics in China.

– There should be no doubt about our values, says Kjøll.

Not called

Some of the athletes who are eligible to travel to the Olympics in Beijing are still asking for clearer direction from the sport’s governing body on human rights issues in China. Cross-country skier Johannes Høsflot Klæbo is one of those who think sports associations and Olympic summits should stand out more.

– I respect the fact that there are many different views on how sport should act on a political issue like this. But it’s easy to criticize, said Kjøll, who defends the Norwegian Sports Confederation’s strategy.

He believes it will not work if he or the sport “uses shouting at times and beyond” in human rights and Olympic matters.

– We have worked very solidly and structured internally in the sport. From the side of the sports council, we have worked with a good strategy that has been implemented in all Norwegian sports and adopted by the Sports Council. This is our way of moving forward, says Kjøll, who nevertheless admits that this is a tough question.

Support for practitioners

– It is a demanding balance between being a sports organization and playing a bigger role in terms of human rights and democracy.

Kjøll said that it was well arranged for practitioners to mark their positions.

– It can be in the form of support for human rights, sports values ​​or other things they care about. This is welcome, says Kjøll, who points out that information and guidance has been provided to create aware athletes and other participants going to the Olympics and Paralympics (PL).

He also cares about those who, for various reasons, do not want to mark a position on political matters.

– I also have great respect for athletes who don’t want to speak up, because they are focused on their sport, it’s also very important that we respect them. “Intrinsic value is sport, and it is at the heart of everything we do,” he said.

Seeing the changes

Kjøll believes that there are positive signs to watch with regards to the conditions for hosting major championships in the future.

– Compliance with human rights is now of paramount importance in future Olympic and OT awards, said Kjøll.

He believes there must be consequences if this is not followed up after the award.

– In the worst case, the organizers will have to lose the championship, said the sports president.