The competitors include triathlate Simon Agoston (current nationality: Hungary; requested nationality: Austria), and swimmer Christel Simms (current nationality: United States; requested nationality: Philippines), in addition to El-Masri who is opting to represent Germany.

The decision was taken by the IOC executive board on Saturday, IOC spokeswoman Giselle Davies told a press conference.

The framework of the exception to the three-year rule is provided by the Olympic Charter, which states: "A competitor who has requested one country in the Olympic Games, in continental or regional games or in world or regional championships recognized by the relevant IF, and who has changed his nationality or acquired a new nationality, may participate in the Olympic Games to represent his new country provided that at least three years have passed since the competitor last represented his former country.

"This period may be reduced or even cancelled, with the agreement of the NOCs and if concerned, by the IOC executive board, which takes into account the circumstances of each case."