INCHEON: An Iranian football official has been kicked out of the Asian Games in South Korea for sexual harassment of a volunteer.

Confirmation of the punishment came from the Olympic Council of Asia which reiterated “zero tolerance policy” for incidents of such discrimination.

Amereh Ahmad had his accreditation removed. This means he has been barred from all Games-related sites, including the Athletes’ Village, venues and hotels. The OCA has also asked the National Olympic Committee of Iran to send Ahmad home.

Husain Al-Musallam, director-general of the OCA, said: “We have held a complete investigation, together with the Incheon Asian Games Organizing Committee, into the case involving a member of the Iranian delegation regarding a football match at Ansan City.

“It was not a matter of a physical attack; it was verbal sexual harassment.

“The OCA will not tolerate any misbehaviour of this nature and we will take a tough stance. We cannot accept this, so we have removed him from the Games.”

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