The JOC Plans To Appeal Against The IOC's Decision To Void Murofushi's Election

The Japanese Olympic Committee will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport against the IOC's decision to void hammer thrower Koji Murofushi's election to the IOC Athletes' Commission, according to KYODO. The JOC "believes there has been a misinterpretation of the rules," and although it plans to challenge the IOC's decision it has also "suggested its willingness to compromise." It is the first time the JOC has decided to bring a case before the CAS. JOC Election Project Committee Head Yoshiji Nogami said, "We cannot swallow this decision whole. There has been a misinterpretation between the parties. There was not enough time to verify the facts. We do not believe this will influence our bid to host the Olympics (in 2020)." Bronze Medalist Murofushi received enough votes during the election to place in the top four. However, the IOC voided his election at the Games, claiming that he had violated election rules by distributing campaign goods and posting fliers with his name (KYODO, 9/4).