Patrick Baumann, an International Olympic Committee (IOC) member, a member of the IOC’s co-ordination commission overseeing London’s preparations for the 2012 Summer Games and secretary general of Fiba, feels his sport is “unwelcome” in Britain and is writing to the government and head of the London 2012 Games to complain, reports the Evening Standard.
The world governing body is determined the venue will not be changed so it can become a showcase for sports growth in Britain and is opposed to any switch to the Wembley Arena.
The 12,000-seat temporary venue has a 60 million pound budget and has been at the centre of a cost review by government accountants.
Bauman told the Standard, “we were approached during the bid and we said we wanted the 02 Arena but were told that was not possible, which was disappointing. We agreed to it being brought into the Olympic Park because, as one of the core venues, we thought in a country that is not basketball friendly it might improve its popularity. We expected that to be honoured. Wembley has never been an option”.
The organizing committee LOCOG said, “the review has not yet been completed and no conclusions have been reached. LOCOG has represented sport and the athletes in the review and we have always made it clear that any venue changes would have to be approved by the IOC and the International Federation”.
