The Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF) has passed a resolution urging the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to sever its contract with the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) at a time when Chicago is bidding to host the 2016 Summer Olympic Games.
Hein Verbruggen, former head of the International Cycling Union said, “the greed of this organization is unlimited. Totally unlimited. It infuriates everybody and especially me. I feel we have been taken by the nose for three years by the USOC. That’s my conclusion. I am angry”.
The resolution will be submitted to the IOC executive board. It asks that the long-standing agreement between the USOC and IOC be immediately terminated.
Senior IOC officials reportedly argue that the USOC receives more than its fair share from global marketing contracts and U.S. broadcasting revenues and are looking for a fairer distribution of the Olympic pie. The USOC says it is entitled to a large share since it is American television rights and sponsors that keeps “Olympic coffers flush with cash” and provides the IOC with more than 50 per cent of its revenues.
Bob Ctvrtlik, USOC vice chairman for international relations and part of a four-member negotiating team said, “we’re looking for a long-term solution and it’s probably not best to do it in an emotional or pressure environment. It’s not easy, it is complicated and I think we all need to do that in a nice calm manner”.
He added there are several meetings scheduled over the next few days.
As for how it will impact Chicago’s bid for the 2016 Summer Games, both sides reportedly say there’s no link between the revenue deal and Chicago’s bid. Pat Ryan, chairman of Chicago 2016 agrees, but he says he’s not so naive as to suggest some IOC members won’t link them.
Verbruggen said, “I won’t make any comment on that. I like the guys in Chicago. I really like Pat Ryan. I’d think they might be embarrassed with this whole thing”.
