The International Olympic Committee (IOC) voted against putting the reinstatement of baseball and softball at the London 2012 Summer Olympic Games, on the agenda. Both sports failed to get a required majority for putting the proposal to a vote, with members voting 46-42 against baseball and 47-43 against softball.
The sports were eliminated from the Olympic program in July but remain on the program for the Beijing 2008 Summer Games.
The support of at least 51 per cent of IOC members was required before reinstatement could go to a secret ballot. After that each sport would have needed majority backing in a second vote.
The London 2012 Games now has 26 sports on the program, two short of the maximum. Softball and baseball will be eligible to reapply later for readmission at the 2016 Games.
IOC President Jacques Rogge said, “we will work closely with the two federations. We will work with them at the Olympic Games at Beijing and see if there’s a chance to come back in the program. I understand the disappointment of those who pleaded for the reinstatement”.
U.S. Olympic Committee Chairman (USOC) Peter Ueberroth is disappointed with the decision not to reinstate the two sports. The USOC released a statement Thursday from Ueberroth saying, “the dreams of young people from around the world who aspire to compete in the Olympic Games in softball and baseball were dealt a setback”. Ueberroth says the USOC will continue working with the international federations to get the two sports reinstated.
Members from Cuba, Australia, Guatemala, Brazil, Spain, Canada, South Africa and Taiwan were among those speaking in favour of readmitting both sports. Several delegates said the Singapore vote should be overturned because no replacement sports were brought in.
