London: Time to Rethink the Day Tomorrow

Novinite Insider » EDITORIAL | July 6, 2005, Wednesday // 00:00

By Ivelina Puhaleva

Bulgaria has become a household name concerning the Olympics 2012 bidding process more than a year before the winner was picked up by IOC in Singapore.

During a year long investigation, BBC's Panorama went undercover to find out what it takes to get the Games, and it aired a video suggesting that the answer is simple - cash.

Bulgaria's member at the International Olympic Committee was then showed agreeing to help a fake bid to bring the 2012 Olympics to London for cash.

Bulgarian Ivan Slavkov was secretly filmed by the television program discussing how the votes of other IOC members could be "bought". Four sports agents are also filmed saying they can secure nearly half the total votes needed, for a fee.

"London 2012 has acted properly and ethically throughout the bidding process," London 2012 vice-chairman Lord Coe immediately defended the country's bid.

Ivan Slavkov insisted he had only agreed to the meeting because the fake contractors wanted to expose what they thought was a real attempt at corruption. He added that he had deliberately hinted that his vote could be swayed in order to trap the Panorama team.

A year later, despite fears the scandal could mar the London bid, the British capital did outstand in the final rivalry with Paris.

And the second day of the IOC session will be also London-bound - this time the Ethics Commission hearing the case of Ivan Slavkov. Even though he is investigated for unethical performance in his capacity of IOC member, the scandal with a Bulgarian name involved in was actually set up in London.

It is hardly probable to know the truth behind the filming. There were many voices it was a deliberate attempt to disgrace Slavkov and his Bulgarian chair in IOC. But what if it was part of a scheme to boost the image of London? Hardly anybody knows; but shame on those who might have used it, if it is true.

If not, congratulations, London!

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