LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) – The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced that Greenland and the Faroe Islands will not be recognized as separate and independent Olympic teams. This decision follows a formal request from Denmark's parliament, which was made two weeks prior and published just the day before the IOC's announcement.

The IOC's reasoning is based on the Olympic Charter, which has defined eligibility for an official team as a "country that is an independent state recognized by the international community" for the past 30 years. According to the IOC, both Greenland and the Faroe Islands, which are semi-autonomous territories within the Kingdom of Denmark, do not fulfill this requirement.

The committee has repeatedly communicated its stance on this matter to various stakeholders over the years. The formal request from Denmark's parliament was prompted by recent political developments, including the formation of a new coalition government led by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. During the election campaign, Frederiksen had expressed her support for Greenland, especially in light of U.S. President Donald Trump's controversial interest in acquiring the island.

As a result of this decision, athletes from Greenland and the Faroe Islands will still be able to compete at the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Summer Games, but they will do so under the flag of Denmark. Denmark is recognized as one of the 206 national Olympic bodies by the IOC, thereby allowing Greenland and the Faroe Islands athletes to participate within its framework.

While the IOC's decision may be disappointing to supporters in Greenland and the Faroe Islands who advocate for greater recognition and independence, the committee remains firm in its interpretation of the Olympic Charter. For now, the status of these territories in relation to the Olympic movement remains unchanged, and they will continue to represent themselves through Denmark at international sporting events.