In a recent statement, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has reaffirmed its stance that neither Greenland nor the Faroe Islands will be recognized as separate and independent Olympic teams. This decision is based on the Olympic Charter's requirement of 30 years, which stipulates that an 'independent state recognized by the international community' is eligible to have an official team. As semi-autonomous territories within the kingdom of Denmark, Greenland and the Faroe Islands do not meet this criterion, according to the IOC. The formal request for recognition was made by Denmark's parliament two weeks ago and published Tuesday, following a recent election in which Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen pledged support for Greenland against US President Donald Trump's interest in acquiring the island. At the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Games, athletes from Greenland and the Faroes can still compete, but they will represent Denmark as one of the IOC's 206 recognized national Olympic bodies.