Kuwait sues IOC for $1 billion over Olympic ban

Staff of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) dismantle a backdrop after a news conference after the Olympic Summit on doping in Lausanne, Switzerland, June 21, 2016. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse

KUWAIT (Reuters) - Kuwait is seeking $1 billion (675.90 million pounds) in damages from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for banning the country from international competitions, state news agency KUNA reported.

The IOC suspended Kuwait in October 2015, accusing the government of interference in its national Olympic Committee. The ban is unlikely to be lifted before the Rio Games which start on Aug. 5, meaning Kuwaiti athletes would only be allowed to compete under the Olympic flag.