By Steve Keating

(Reuters) – With concerns over Peng Shuai’s safety growing to a worldwide concern, Dick Pound, a senior IOC member, said that the International Olympic Committee might be pushed to take a tough line with 2022 Beijing Olympic host.

Peng, the former number one doubles world ranking peng, has not been heard of publicly since she stated on Chinese social networking on Nov. 2nd that Zhang Gaoli (ex-vice-premier) coerced Peng to sex. They later had a one-off consensual affair.

Pound stated that the international outcry about Peng’s safety, whereabouts and fate could lead to the IOC confronting China regarding its human rights records.

While it is unlikely that the protests will stop the Beijing Winter Games from going ahead, Pound wouldn’t completely exclude them.

Pound told Reuters, “If it’s not resolved very soon in a sensible manner it might spin out of control.” Pound is the longest-serving member of IOC. It could (force the IOC) to adopt a tougher line.

It is hard to say if that will lead to the cessation or not of the Olympic Games. You never know.

Peng’s allegations were not commented upon by Zhang nor the Chinese government. This post by the 35-year-old player of tennis was quickly deleted from social media and has since been removed from China’s highly censored internet.

WTA, the governing body for women’s tennis has demanded an investigation. They have threatened to take tournaments in China worth many millions of dollars.

Peng has been a three-time Olympian. However, the IOC is not willing to make a similar risk and take on billions in sponsorships and television rights.

Pound (a Canadian lawyer who was an Olympic athlete) said that while he didn’t know the status of our efforts, they are sure to be following it.

China has a harder time handling a citizen complaining about a higher-up than they do the domestic issue now.

Peng has not been contacted by the IOC. However, the IOC stated that quiet diplomacy offered the best chance for a resolution.

Pound admitted that China is not a good responder to threats. It also needs nuance when negotiating with officials from government or sport.

Pound stated that it would be “a harder line” than the IOC takes, and was being asked by Pound if Peng would like to be invited to a meeting.

We’ve stated, “listen this all is out there in public how can we respond. This is something we can’t ignore.

“That which was done in the past produced some change.

“My guess it’ll be this kind of line than hitting them in the chest with a punch and telling them ‘do that or the world’.

China can be as honest and open-minded about the Olympics loss, but they will not be the same for everyone else.