The Kuwait Misdemeanour Court last week handed Sheikh Ahmad, a member of the IOC and FIFA's ruling Executive Committee, the sentence and fined him 1,000 dinar (£2,200/$3,300/€3,000) for allegedly insulting the judiciary.

It was the latest salvo fired in an increasingly bitter dispute between Sheikh Ahmad, President of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC), and Kuwait's Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Homud Al-Sabah.

The row has escalated dramatically since the IOC suspended the Kuwait Olympic Committee in October, allegedly to protect the country from "undue Government interference” following the passing of a deadline to amend a controversial new law allowing far greater control over all sports bodies.

A total of 17 other International Federations have also suspended Kuwait, including FIFA. 

Repealing the new law is the only thing the IOC are seeking, however, Bach claimed here today following the Ceremonial General Assembly of the Hungarian Olympic Committee, which is celebrating its 120th anniversary.

They will not interfere in the personal case involving Sheikh Ahmad. 

"This is justice in Kuwait, it's nothing to do with the sports law or sport," he said.

"The IOC will respect the law of a sovereign country.

"We will insist the sports law is in compliance.

"The IOC has always made it clear it is ready to address the various stipulations of the law that need to be changed.

"They [Kuwait] have to come to the table."

Sheikh Ahmad, who is currently believed to be in Switzerland, has vowed to fight the sentence.

The President of the Olympic Council of Asia was given the sentence for making public allegations three years ago against two powerful Government members.

He claimed that former Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and former speaker Jassem Mohammad Abdul-Mohsem Al-Karafi had laundered money, misused public funds and plotted to topple the Government.

The allegations were dismissed by the court in Kuwait as "fabrications" and he had to apologise to the ruling Emir, Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

Sheikh Ahmad had been due to be one of the guests of honour here but cancelled his plans at the last minute.

The International Shooting Sport Federation yesterday announced they had reported Sheikh Salman to its Ethics Committee following his unsuccessful campaign last year to replace Mexico's Olegario Vázquez Raña as President.

They alleged he tried to use his position as a Government Minister to influence the outcome of the election, including by offering financial assistance to Member Federations and officials. 

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