IOC Chief 'Won't Interfere' with Rome 2024 Bid

(ATR) Thomas Bach refuses to speculate on the future of the Italian Olympic bid.

Speaking to media in Rome where he was attending the faith and sport conference at the Vatican, Bach indicated that he was powerless to intervene in Italian politics following a decision which seems to have ended the Olympic bid.

"I was informed about the politics in Italy. I am here to listen. Politics in Italy is a very interesting topic," he said of talks with Italian Olympic Committee president Giovanni Malago.

Bach did not comment directly on Rome mayor Virginia Raggi’s rejection of the 2024 bid, backed by the city council last week, but privately he will be disappointed another candidate city has failed to reach the finish line. Hamburg withdrew last year after a referendum defeat.

"This is a political discussion here in Italy and the IOC is politically neutral. We will not interfere in internal Italian politics," he said.

"I do not think that this discussion has a lot to do with the Olympic Games. The impression I get is that this is about internal Italian politics."

His comments next Tuesday may take on a more critical hue. Rome 2024 is expected to formally announce its withdrawal from the 2024 bidding contest at a press conference.

"I will not speculate on the final decision," the IOC chief said.

When asked if Rome abandoning the Olympic campaign would be the end of candidatures from Italy for decades, he refused to be drawn: "I will not speculate what influence a very particular political situation in Italy has on the future of Olympic sports in Italy."

With Rome’s near-certain withdrawal, only Budapest, Los Angeles and Paris are left to compete for 2024 Olympic hosting rights. The IOC host city vote comes in September 2017.

Reported by Mark Bisson

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