Li Ka-shing, Hong Kong's and Asia's richest man, has donated US$12.8M to the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Liu Qi, Hong Kong's top Communist Party official, has declared him to be a patriot:
"What we received is not just money but more importantly the patriotism of Mr. Li and his support for the Olympics..." .
Li is known to be close to the Chinese leadership, and frequently donates to charitable causes in the mainland.
Li, Nicknamed "Superman" for his moneymaking prowess, has an empire that includes real estate, shipping, mobile networks, oil and retail companies. He is ranked the world's 19th richest man by Forbes.
Sunday, 31 October 2004
Saturday, 30 October 2004
Why The UK Won't Be Hosting The 2012 Olympics
London does not stand a "cat's chance" in hell of winning the 2012 Olympics bid:
- The London transport infrastructure is not up to standard, and will not be in time for the Games.
- The decision as to who will host the Games will be made next year. The near debacle of the Athens Olympic Games, with regard to delayed construction projects and cost overruns, means that the judging panel will never put themselves in a position like that again. They will be looking for infrastructure that is already in place. The UK does not have that infrastructure in place.
- The voting panel for the IOC consists of a number of European countries. It is well understood that if the 2012 Games were to be held in Europe, then the 2016 Games (for political reasons) could not be held in Europe as well. Spain, for one, wish to bid for the 2016 Games; they will vote against London and Paris in the 2012 decision.
- The cost overruns of the 2004 Games, $12BN against budget of $5BN, plus the expected costs of the 2008 Games ($35BN); means that the cost of holding the 2012 Games are prohibitively expensive. It would be lunacy to bid for them, we can't afford them.
Friday, 29 October 2004
Idiot
The idiot who disrupted the Olympics marathon, by running near the finishing line and pushing the lead runner, has been cleared of indecently assaulting a 7 year old girl.
Cornelius Horan, who was a priest, said:
"I feel now I have completed my mission at sporting events to tell the world about the second coming of Christ..".
Cornelius Horan, who was a priest, said:
"I feel now I have completed my mission at sporting events to tell the world about the second coming of Christ..".
Thursday, 28 October 2004
All Change
One half of the disgraced "dynamic duo" of Greek sprinting, Costas Kenteris, has named Giorgios Panagiotopoulos as his new coach.
Kenteris sacked his last coach, Christos Tzekos, after his expulsion from the Olympic Games in Athens; for avoiding a dope test, and faking a motorcycle accident.
Kenteris and his partner in crime, Thanou, are expecting to find out on Monday if they will face misdemeanour charges; for obstructing a doping test, and for making false statements after their motorcycle "crash".
Kenteris sacked his last coach, Christos Tzekos, after his expulsion from the Olympic Games in Athens; for avoiding a dope test, and faking a motorcycle accident.
Kenteris and his partner in crime, Thanou, are expecting to find out on Monday if they will face misdemeanour charges; for obstructing a doping test, and for making false statements after their motorcycle "crash".
Wednesday, 27 October 2004
Putting it Behind Her
British world marathon record holder, Paula Radcliffe, has put her failure at the Athens Olympics behind her; yesterday she announced that she will run in the New York marathon on November 7.
During the Olympics she dropped out of both the marathon, and 10,000 metres.
She started as the favorite for the marathon in the Olympics. However, she crashed out in tears 6km from the finish; describing it as the most traumatic experience of her life.
During the Olympics she dropped out of both the marathon, and 10,000 metres.
She started as the favorite for the marathon in the Olympics. However, she crashed out in tears 6km from the finish; describing it as the most traumatic experience of her life.
Tuesday, 26 October 2004
Athlete's Fake Penis
In the increasingly bizarre world of athletics, especially the Olympics, nothing exercises some athletes' "mental capacities" more than how to cheat the dope tests.
The World Anti-Doping Agency director-general David Howman, yesterday displayed one of the devices that was used by a member of the Hungarian team in Athens in August.
It comprises a plug which is inserted in the rectum, a small reservoir for "clean" urine, and a tube which is attached to the underside of the penis.
If these cheats stopped wasting their time and energy on cheating, they might actually win gold without having to cheat.
The World Anti-Doping Agency director-general David Howman, yesterday displayed one of the devices that was used by a member of the Hungarian team in Athens in August.
It comprises a plug which is inserted in the rectum, a small reservoir for "clean" urine, and a tube which is attached to the underside of the penis.
If these cheats stopped wasting their time and energy on cheating, they might actually win gold without having to cheat.
Monday, 25 October 2004
Britain's "Plans" To Win the 2012 Olympics
The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) and Demos, think tanks who advise the UK government, have come up with a "brilliant wheeze"; designed to ensure that the UK wins the bid to host the 2012 Olympics.
It seems that the bright boys in Demos and IPPR have suggested that pubs should stage their own Olympics, apparently this will sway the Olympic judges decision as to which country should host the 2012 Games.
Clearly the members of these "think tanks" don't get out much.
They also suggest that Britain should host "Street Olympics".
I have to say, I find it incredible that good money is being thrown away on coming up with ideas that have no chance of winning the bid.
The bottom line is very simple, the UK will not be hosting the 2012 Olympics.
Let us move on, and focus our attention on more pressing issues.
It seems that the bright boys in Demos and IPPR have suggested that pubs should stage their own Olympics, apparently this will sway the Olympic judges decision as to which country should host the 2012 Games.
Clearly the members of these "think tanks" don't get out much.
They also suggest that Britain should host "Street Olympics".
I have to say, I find it incredible that good money is being thrown away on coming up with ideas that have no chance of winning the bid.
The bottom line is very simple, the UK will not be hosting the 2012 Olympics.
Let us move on, and focus our attention on more pressing issues.
Sunday, 24 October 2004
Olympic Flower
It is reported that the Iranian sculptor, Jamshid Moradian, will visit Italy to take part in the third Symposium of Mountains and the Winter Olympic Games.
He will create the symbol for the Winter Olympic Games 2005, known as the "Olympic Flower".
The design depicts a rock from which five olive leaves, representing the 5 continents, protrude. Each of the leaves has a ring of the Olympics emerging from below.
The artistic work will be carved onto the mountain, and will be illuminated by lamps.
He will create the symbol for the Winter Olympic Games 2005, known as the "Olympic Flower".
The design depicts a rock from which five olive leaves, representing the 5 continents, protrude. Each of the leaves has a ring of the Olympics emerging from below.
The artistic work will be carved onto the mountain, and will be illuminated by lamps.
Saturday, 23 October 2004
Judge Loses Place
It is reported that George Beckstead, the US judge involved in the scoring mistake that helped Paul Hamm win the gymnastics gold medal at the Athens Olympics, has lost his place on the committee of the gymnastics' world governing body.
Beckstead was not re-elected to the men's technical committee of the international gymnastics federation.
Beckstead was not re-elected to the men's technical committee of the international gymnastics federation.
Friday, 22 October 2004
Hamm Breaths Sigh of Relief
It is reported that U.S. gymnast Paul Hamm will keep his gymnastic gold medal from the Athens Olympics, despite the protest from a South Korean competitor.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport has rejected the request by Yang Tae Young to award him the gold. Yang Tae Young based his claim on the judges making a 10th-of-a-point mistake, that gymnastics officials said cost him the title.
The court statement said:
"An error identified with the benefit of hindsight whether admitted or not, cannot be a ground for reversing a result of a competition...".
I agree, judging sports will always be prone to human error; that's life.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport has rejected the request by Yang Tae Young to award him the gold. Yang Tae Young based his claim on the judges making a 10th-of-a-point mistake, that gymnastics officials said cost him the title.
The court statement said:
"An error identified with the benefit of hindsight whether admitted or not, cannot be a ground for reversing a result of a competition...".
I agree, judging sports will always be prone to human error; that's life.
Thursday, 21 October 2004
The Mafia and The Olympics
Yesterday's story about the attempted murder of Filippos Sirigos, sports editor of the newspaper Eleftherotypia, looks like being the thin end of the wedge of a very nasty affair.
It seems that Sirigos was not just unpopular for reporting on the case of the "dynamic duo" of sprinting's, Costas Kenteris and Katerina Thanou, lame attempt to hide from a drugs test; by staging a fake motorcycle accident.
He was also reporting on the Octagon scandal (reported on this site some weeks ago); which involves the head of the Athens Games, Gianna Angelopoulos, and her husband.
This story alleges that $450M, originally intended for the Games, has been stolen by these two; using Octagon to syphon the money into various hidden bank accounts.
Gianna Angelopoulos and her husband are suing Sirigos for Euros10m in compensation.
There are strong rumours of Mafia involvement; specifically there is a suspect deal that gave the Karaiskaki soccer stadium to a company belonging to an alleged Mafia boss Sokratis Kokkalisso, who is also involved with Octagon.
So much for the Olympics cleaning up its act!
It seems that Sirigos was not just unpopular for reporting on the case of the "dynamic duo" of sprinting's, Costas Kenteris and Katerina Thanou, lame attempt to hide from a drugs test; by staging a fake motorcycle accident.
He was also reporting on the Octagon scandal (reported on this site some weeks ago); which involves the head of the Athens Games, Gianna Angelopoulos, and her husband.
This story alleges that $450M, originally intended for the Games, has been stolen by these two; using Octagon to syphon the money into various hidden bank accounts.
Gianna Angelopoulos and her husband are suing Sirigos for Euros10m in compensation.
There are strong rumours of Mafia involvement; specifically there is a suspect deal that gave the Karaiskaki soccer stadium to a company belonging to an alleged Mafia boss Sokratis Kokkalisso, who is also involved with Octagon.
So much for the Olympics cleaning up its act!
Wednesday, 20 October 2004
Decision Day
Today is the day that Greek prosecutors announce their findings into the scandal involving the dynamic duo of Greek sprinting, Costas Kenteris and Katerina Thanou
You will recall that these were the two idiots who avoided a drugs test, by faking a motorcycle accident.
Interestingly enough one of the main witnesses, sports editor Filippos Sirigos, has been stabbed and beaten. Gas canisters and petrol were also sent to the owner of the newspaper that Sirigos works for.
Seemingly some people don't like the truth to come out.
Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis has condemned the attack, noting that it could damage Greece's reputation.
What's the betting that the dynamic duo get let off with a very light sentence?
You will recall that these were the two idiots who avoided a drugs test, by faking a motorcycle accident.
Interestingly enough one of the main witnesses, sports editor Filippos Sirigos, has been stabbed and beaten. Gas canisters and petrol were also sent to the owner of the newspaper that Sirigos works for.
Seemingly some people don't like the truth to come out.
Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis has condemned the attack, noting that it could damage Greece's reputation.
What's the betting that the dynamic duo get let off with a very light sentence?
Tuesday, 19 October 2004
High Tech Games
The 2008 Olympic Games, being held in Beijing, promise to push the frontiers of technology.
The Beijing Olympic Games organisers are going to complete 116 technology projects, in time for the 2008 Games.
The projects will covers TV, telecom and architecture.
On site broadcasting, and on site wireless communication feature heavily in the projects.
The Beijing Olympic Games organisers are going to complete 116 technology projects, in time for the 2008 Games.
The projects will covers TV, telecom and architecture.
On site broadcasting, and on site wireless communication feature heavily in the projects.
Monday, 18 October 2004
London Parade
London will be hosting a parade today, for the British athletes who competed in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.
Once the parade is over, the athletes will meet the Queen.
Once the parade is over, the athletes will meet the Queen.
Sunday, 17 October 2004
Cooking Olympics
The Gastric Olympics start today in Germany.
Competition between the world's leading culinary "athletes" will be fierce, as they compete to see who can cook the best.
Competition between the world's leading culinary "athletes" will be fierce, as they compete to see who can cook the best.
Saturday, 16 October 2004
Apologies
Hungarian Olympic Committee chairman, Pal Schmitt, apologised yesterday for the doping incidents at the Athens Olympics involving his country's athletes.
He said that he was sorry that Hungarian athletes had cast a shadow over the Athens Games, with their doping infractions.
Three Hungarians lost their medals in Athens because of doping: hammer throw winner Adrian Annus, discus gold medalist Robert Fazekas and weightlifter Ferenc Gyurkovics, who won a silver. Two other weightlifters, Zoltan Kovacs and Zoltan Kecskes, also tested positive.
He said that he was sorry that Hungarian athletes had cast a shadow over the Athens Games, with their doping infractions.
Three Hungarians lost their medals in Athens because of doping: hammer throw winner Adrian Annus, discus gold medalist Robert Fazekas and weightlifter Ferenc Gyurkovics, who won a silver. Two other weightlifters, Zoltan Kovacs and Zoltan Kecskes, also tested positive.
Friday, 15 October 2004
Bomb Threat
Greek police disclosed yesterday that they had received a bomb threat, before the Athens Olympic Games opening ceremony.
However, despite that fact that the stadium had 70000 people inside, they did not evacuate it.
The bomb scare was no more than that, a hoax.
The police received more than 80 other bomb threats during the course of the Games.
However, despite that fact that the stadium had 70000 people inside, they did not evacuate it.
The bomb scare was no more than that, a hoax.
The police received more than 80 other bomb threats during the course of the Games.
Thursday, 14 October 2004
Terror Scares
Yesterday Greece released a list of the top 86 security scares, during the 2004 Athens Olympics.
Topping the list was a propane leak at a seaside resort, housing America's leading business executives.
The minister of public order, George Voulgarakis, noted at the news conference that there was a very real threat that the use of a mobile phone would have resulted in a large explosion at the resort.
Topping the list was a propane leak at a seaside resort, housing America's leading business executives.
The minister of public order, George Voulgarakis, noted at the news conference that there was a very real threat that the use of a mobile phone would have resulted in a large explosion at the resort.
Wednesday, 13 October 2004
Zeppelin Flies Away
The 60 metre Olympics Zeppelin which was laden with cameras and sensors, and became a daily feature of the Athens skyline during the Olympics, has moved on.
Information collected by the Zeppelin was used together with images from the 1,200 street cameras, police helicopters and surveillance vans; as part of the US$1.5BN security operation. The operation officially ended on October 4.
The Zeppelin, which is operated by Airship Management Services Inc, stayed on a few extra days; while the company discussed potential future business deals.
These include possibly providing security at the Beijing Games in 2008, watching over the Muslim pilgrimage at Mecca, in Saudi Arabia, and filming Greek holiday destinations for the Greek tourism ministry.
Information collected by the Zeppelin was used together with images from the 1,200 street cameras, police helicopters and surveillance vans; as part of the US$1.5BN security operation. The operation officially ended on October 4.
The Zeppelin, which is operated by Airship Management Services Inc, stayed on a few extra days; while the company discussed potential future business deals.
These include possibly providing security at the Beijing Games in 2008, watching over the Muslim pilgrimage at Mecca, in Saudi Arabia, and filming Greek holiday destinations for the Greek tourism ministry.
Tuesday, 12 October 2004
Even Horses Do Drugs
It seems that some "athletes" will stop at nothing to win a glittery medal at the Olympics.
It is reported that Irish show jumper Cian O'Connor, who won gold at Athens, has had his horse tested for drugs.
The poor horse, who is totally blameless, was found to be doped with a banned substance.
O'Connor claims that he is innocent and that the second sample, when tested, will show that he is innocent.
The horse, Waterford Crystal, declined to comment.
It is reported that Irish show jumper Cian O'Connor, who won gold at Athens, has had his horse tested for drugs.
The poor horse, who is totally blameless, was found to be doped with a banned substance.
O'Connor claims that he is innocent and that the second sample, when tested, will show that he is innocent.
The horse, Waterford Crystal, declined to comment.
Monday, 11 October 2004
A Cleaner Olympics
It is reported that the China Petrochemical Corporation has been named as an official sponsor of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
It has promised to clean up its fuel, in order to meet the pre-Games anti-pollution standards.
The company will fund and provide petrochemical products and services for the 2008 Olympic Games, at a cost of $1.6BN, as well as for China's team at the 2006 Winter Games in Italy.
Other sponsors of the 2008 Games are; Volkswagen AG and Chinese firms Bank of China, China Mobile , China Network Communications and Air China.
It has promised to clean up its fuel, in order to meet the pre-Games anti-pollution standards.
The company will fund and provide petrochemical products and services for the 2008 Olympic Games, at a cost of $1.6BN, as well as for China's team at the 2006 Winter Games in Italy.
Other sponsors of the 2008 Games are; Volkswagen AG and Chinese firms Bank of China, China Mobile , China Network Communications and Air China.
Sunday, 10 October 2004
Rumour and Speculation
There is a rumour, gathering ground, on the net that sponsorship money was syphoned off from the 2004 Olympics into the pockets of certain individuals.
It seems that the money was laundered through an organisation called Octagon. I understand that this company is now being investigated.
The Head of the Athens First Instance Courts, on Thursday, ordered a preliminary investigation into Greek press reports; citing dubious links between Octagon Worldwide Holdings BV and sponsorship deals for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.
Athens dailies, "Eleftherotypia" and "Avriani", allege that Octagon acted as an intermediary in sponsorship deals involving the Athens 2004 Olympics Games Organizing Committee (ATHOC).
Press reports also claimed that no firm without Octagon representation succeeded in landing a deal with ATHOC.
The case has been assigned to a prosecutor.
This will get very messy, and could well undermine the Olympics as a whole.
It seems that the money was laundered through an organisation called Octagon. I understand that this company is now being investigated.
The Head of the Athens First Instance Courts, on Thursday, ordered a preliminary investigation into Greek press reports; citing dubious links between Octagon Worldwide Holdings BV and sponsorship deals for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.
Athens dailies, "Eleftherotypia" and "Avriani", allege that Octagon acted as an intermediary in sponsorship deals involving the Athens 2004 Olympics Games Organizing Committee (ATHOC).
Press reports also claimed that no firm without Octagon representation succeeded in landing a deal with ATHOC.
The case has been assigned to a prosecutor.
This will get very messy, and could well undermine the Olympics as a whole.
Saturday, 9 October 2004
Overzealous
The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) has reportedly asked President Bush to shut down the part of his campaign website that uses the word "Olympics".
The site shows a cartoon game, "John Kerry's Flip Flop Olympics"which asks players to guess Kerry's stances on issues.
It seems that the use of the word "Olympics" is barred under a federal law; only the USOC, according to the USOC that is, can use the word.
The USOC overzealously guards this word, nothing to do with the royalties that it generates of course!
Money and the Olympics go hand in hand, sport is but a side issue.
The Bush team, so I understand, have ignored the request.
Quite right!
The site shows a cartoon game, "John Kerry's Flip Flop Olympics"which asks players to guess Kerry's stances on issues.
It seems that the use of the word "Olympics" is barred under a federal law; only the USOC, according to the USOC that is, can use the word.
The USOC overzealously guards this word, nothing to do with the royalties that it generates of course!
Money and the Olympics go hand in hand, sport is but a side issue.
The Bush team, so I understand, have ignored the request.
Quite right!
Friday, 8 October 2004
What a Whopper!
The Athens Olympics are but a faded memory. However, the bills are now being tallied up.
The Greek government is "trying" to add up the costs, and has stated that it will "announce it shortly...all these unanswered questions will be answered...".
The public deficit has breached 5.3% of GDP; which is not at all good news, as it breaches the EU 3% ceiling.
Estimates vary as to what the final bill will be. However, it is likely to be around $12BN (the budget was just under $6BN).
The Greek government is also trying to work out what to do with the $3BN of Olympic buildings, constructed for the Games. These will cost $100M per year to maintain.
As Premier Costas Caramanlis says:
"The country is facing an acute financial problem that can no longer be hidden..."
Quite!
The Greek government is "trying" to add up the costs, and has stated that it will "announce it shortly...all these unanswered questions will be answered...".
The public deficit has breached 5.3% of GDP; which is not at all good news, as it breaches the EU 3% ceiling.
Estimates vary as to what the final bill will be. However, it is likely to be around $12BN (the budget was just under $6BN).
The Greek government is also trying to work out what to do with the $3BN of Olympic buildings, constructed for the Games. These will cost $100M per year to maintain.
As Premier Costas Caramanlis says:
"The country is facing an acute financial problem that can no longer be hidden..."
Quite!
Thursday, 7 October 2004
Milking It
Those of you who are worried that Paul Hamm may lose his Olympic gold medal, if the arbitration court rules in favour of South Korea, need not fear too much for Hamm's livelihood.
He has reportedly been awarded an endorsement deal with Marigold Foods, a Minneapolis dairy company.
Hamm will be awarded his own ice cream flavour of "gold medal pecan swirl".
The ice cream has a butter pecan base, blended with thick caramel swirls and caramel-filled chocolate "gold medals."
Hamm had better not eat too many of those, otherwise he may not be fit enough to compete in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
He has reportedly been awarded an endorsement deal with Marigold Foods, a Minneapolis dairy company.
Hamm will be awarded his own ice cream flavour of "gold medal pecan swirl".
The ice cream has a butter pecan base, blended with thick caramel swirls and caramel-filled chocolate "gold medals."
Hamm had better not eat too many of those, otherwise he may not be fit enough to compete in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
Wednesday, 6 October 2004
Scraping The Bottom
The World Anti-Doping Agency Chairman, Dick Pound, has revealed how two disgraced Hungarian athletes provided false urine samples.
It seems that the boys, Robert Fazekas and Adrian Annus (an appropriate name), inserted balloons filled with someone elses urine into their anuses.
How nice!
They had their medals stripped from them, after they were found out to have provided false samples.
Seemingly, if you were not watching that closely, the "Heath Robinson" device of balloons and tubes made it look as they were actually unrinating.
As usual with scum bag cheats like this, Annus claimed that he was being "set up" by the IOC.
My message to Mr Annus is Blow it out your a**e!
It seems that the boys, Robert Fazekas and Adrian Annus (an appropriate name), inserted balloons filled with someone elses urine into their anuses.
How nice!
They had their medals stripped from them, after they were found out to have provided false samples.
Seemingly, if you were not watching that closely, the "Heath Robinson" device of balloons and tubes made it look as they were actually unrinating.
As usual with scum bag cheats like this, Annus claimed that he was being "set up" by the IOC.
My message to Mr Annus is Blow it out your a**e!
Tuesday, 5 October 2004
Shattered Illusion
It seems that the idea that the Athens Olympics would create jobs was but a fanciful illusion.
It is reported that 50,000 people, who were engaged for the construction and maintenance of Olympic facilities, are yet again unemployed now that the Games have ended.
Additionally, the majority of the 150,000 people who got Olympic jobs were, in fact, economic migrants; residing with their families in Athens.
It seems that the local Athens authorities are now faced with the task of moving these people to places of employment.
Precisely how to they intend to do that I wonder?
It is reported that 50,000 people, who were engaged for the construction and maintenance of Olympic facilities, are yet again unemployed now that the Games have ended.
Additionally, the majority of the 150,000 people who got Olympic jobs were, in fact, economic migrants; residing with their families in Athens.
It seems that the local Athens authorities are now faced with the task of moving these people to places of employment.
Precisely how to they intend to do that I wonder?
Monday, 4 October 2004
Divided Loyalties
David Beckham has hit the headlines again, how surprising!
This time, his "fifteen minutes of fame" is down to him withdrawing from the Madrid team photo to promote their bid to host the 2012 Olympics.
Beckham, a very shrewd and intelligent individual, realised that a photo of him appearing in front of a banner backing Madrid's bid would look a trifle disloyal to his fellow Brits.
Having discussed it with his agent, he pulled out; needless to say his chums in Madrid were not best pleased.
It seems that Madrid 2012 signed a deal with Real Madrid, stating that all the Real Madrid players would promote the city's bid for the 2012 Games.
Beckham now has to deal with the problem of what he will be wearing on the pitch.
His new shirts will feature a logo supporting the Madrid bid.
Even Tony Blair might have trouble worming his way out of that.
This time, his "fifteen minutes of fame" is down to him withdrawing from the Madrid team photo to promote their bid to host the 2012 Olympics.
Beckham, a very shrewd and intelligent individual, realised that a photo of him appearing in front of a banner backing Madrid's bid would look a trifle disloyal to his fellow Brits.
Having discussed it with his agent, he pulled out; needless to say his chums in Madrid were not best pleased.
It seems that Madrid 2012 signed a deal with Real Madrid, stating that all the Real Madrid players would promote the city's bid for the 2012 Games.
Beckham now has to deal with the problem of what he will be wearing on the pitch.
His new shirts will feature a logo supporting the Madrid bid.
Even Tony Blair might have trouble worming his way out of that.
Sunday, 3 October 2004
Corruption
Slavkov, Bulgaria's top Olympic official, has reportedly pleaded innocent of corruption charges; in front of the International Olympic Committee's (IOC's) ethics panel.
Slavkov was filmed by the BBC, discussing how votes could be bought to support a city's bid to host the 2012 Summer Games.
Slavkov's membership of the IOC has been suspended, and his credentials for the Athens Olympics were revoked.
A final ruling on expulsion will not come until next July.
Who says that justice is swift?
Slavkov was filmed by the BBC, discussing how votes could be bought to support a city's bid to host the 2012 Summer Games.
Slavkov's membership of the IOC has been suspended, and his credentials for the Athens Olympics were revoked.
A final ruling on expulsion will not come until next July.
Who says that justice is swift?
Saturday, 2 October 2004
Big Guns Support New York
The big guns are coming out in support of New York to host the 2012 Olympics.
US Secretary of State Colin Powell has reportedly asked his foreign minister colleagues to back New York's bid.
He has also recorded a videotape on behalf of the bid, which will make the same case. He describes the city as "a place where you can come and have a good time", that would make a "great" host for the Games.
US Secretary of State Colin Powell has reportedly asked his foreign minister colleagues to back New York's bid.
He has also recorded a videotape on behalf of the bid, which will make the same case. He describes the city as "a place where you can come and have a good time", that would make a "great" host for the Games.
Friday, 1 October 2004
British Olympics? No Chance
I reiterate what I have said before, that there is not a hope in hell of Britain hosting the 2012 Olympics.
My view has been confirmed by the decision to abandon Silverstone, as part of the Formula One 2005 calendar.
Bernie Ecclestone, F1 superemo, is also heavily involved in the bid for the 2012 Olympics. He is reportedly to be of the view that Silverstone is outdated, and does not receive the level of support from the government that it deserves.
The decision to axe Silverstone will send a very clear message to the IOC, that Britain simply does not have the money or the will to host major sporting events.
It is of course, classic brinkmanship, a last ditched attempt to embarrass the government into funding a rejuvenation of Silverstone.
My view has been confirmed by the decision to abandon Silverstone, as part of the Formula One 2005 calendar.
Bernie Ecclestone, F1 superemo, is also heavily involved in the bid for the 2012 Olympics. He is reportedly to be of the view that Silverstone is outdated, and does not receive the level of support from the government that it deserves.
The decision to axe Silverstone will send a very clear message to the IOC, that Britain simply does not have the money or the will to host major sporting events.
It is of course, classic brinkmanship, a last ditched attempt to embarrass the government into funding a rejuvenation of Silverstone.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)