The decision is the result of a drawn-out internal feud in Iraq, which saw the government dissolve the National Olympic Committee after claims that it lacked a legal quorum and was therefore illegitimate. Critics argue, however, that four members of the committee, including its chief, were kidnapped two years ago and their fates are unknown.
The IOC denounced the order as "serious interference" in what is supposed to be an independent body and demanded the government respect the NOC's autonomy.
"Clearly we'd very much like to have seen Iraq's athletes in Beijing," IOC spokeswoman, Giselle Davies, said. "We are very disappointed that the athletes have been so ill-served by their own government's actions."
The deadline to submit the names of competitors in all sports except track and field was Wednesday, leaving five of seven Iraqi Olympic hopefuls with no chance at participating in the Games. For track and field, the last day to be listed is next Thursday, leaving a brief window for an Iraqi discus thrower and a sprinter.
