The BBC has obtained a letter in which the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said Britain’s Prime Minister Tony Blair has contravened its Code of Ethics, but a spokesman for the British Government said the Prime Minister had adhered to IOC rules.
The controversy arose when Blair made reference to both the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics at a sports breakfast in Nigeria two weeks ago. He said, “it was the most extraordinary success. It is partly the success of the Commonwealth Games that inspired our bid for the Olympics”.
According to the IOC’s Code of Ethics bid cities cannot promote their Olympic bids internationally until the final stage of the bid.
The letter was addressed to former Olympic rower and IOC committee member Matthew Pinsent and said, “it appears the Prime Minister Tony Blair used the weekend’s talks in Nigeria to boost London’s chances of hosting the Olympic Games.
“As you know, the Olympic parties, such as cities wishing to host the Olympic games, undertake to respect and ensure respect of the ethical principles, their Code of Ethics and its implementing Provisions.
“All forms of promotion are forbidden until IOC acceptance of the Candidature File and the cities must refrain from taking advantage of any international event held outside its NOC’s territory”.
