Amid concerns that the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) could face possible cancellation of the revenue contract if it doesn’t make concessions at a meeting next week, Chicago 2016 organizers are planning for next month’s inspection by the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) evaluation commission.
The Associated Press reports an IOC executive board member said the IOC wants the USOC to agree to a small share of money.
Chicago 2016 spokesman Patrick Sandusky said Wednesday that he’s confident the matter will be resolved in an appropriate way.
Meanwhile ESPN reports the USOC laid off 54 employees Wednesday as a key part of its plan to trim its budget by five per cent. The layoffs reportedly equal 13 per cent of the USOC work force and will come at every level, including senior management.
Layoffs will affect the USOC’s main operation in Colorado Springs, as well as offices in Lake Placid New York and Chula Vista California.
The USOC’s goal is to trim its 2009 operating budget from $142.6 million to $135.5 million.
Not affected will be direct financial support provided to athletes and their national governing bodes, and USOC support for Chicago’s 2016 bid.
