IOC announces it has held its second Peng Shuai appeal amid mounting criticism

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The International Olympic Committee said it had arranged another appeal with Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai. Peng went missing in November, and despite reappearing weeks later, concerns remain for his well-being. The IOC has been criticized for its handling of the Peng situation, with some accusing it of appeasing China. Loading Something is loading.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) continued to try to allay fears over Peng Shuai’s welfare by claiming that he had arranged a second video call with the tennis player.

Peng appeared to disappear shortly after making sexual assault allegations against a former senior Chinese official last month.

Despite images of her having dinner with friends and appearing at a children’s tennis tournament shared by state media, her well-being is of international concern.

She was also pictured during a video call with IOC President Thomas Bach, but that did little to convince the sports world of her safety.

The IOC first spoke with Peng on November 21. CIO / Greg Martin

On Thursday, the IOC announced that it had reconnected with Peng.

“We share the same concern as many other people and organizations regarding the welfare and safety of Peng Shuai,” he said in a statement.

“That’s why, just yesterday [Wednesday], an IOC team held another video call with her. We have offered her extensive support, will keep in regular contact with her and have already arranged a personal date in January. “

The IOC did not provide any details on the length of the call, who was on the call, or what was discussed.

The statement comes less than 24 hours after the Women’s Tennis Association suspended tournaments in China over the Peng issue.

The IOC has been criticized for its actions towards Shuai, with some saying Olympic organizers do not want to upset China ahead of the Beijing Winter Olympics in early 2022.

However, the committee has always denied this and said on Thursday it was taking a “human and person-centered approach.”

“There are different ways to achieve her well-being and security. We have taken a very human and people-centered approach to her situation.

“As she is a three-time Olympian, the IOC is addressing these issues directly with Chinese sports organizations.

Peng Shuai has participated in three Olympics. Fred Lee / Getty Images

“We use ‘quiet diplomacy’ which, given the circumstances and based on the experience of governments and other organizations, is indicated as the most promising way to proceed effectively in such humanitarian matters. “

He also said that during the 30-minute video call on November 21, Shuai appeared to be safe and this was reconfirmed during the call on Wednesday.

“Our human and person-centered approach means that we continue to care about their personal situation and that we will continue to support them,” he said.

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