Samaranch Denies He Has a Conflict of Interest

Barcelona-born Juan Antonio Samaranch denied on Thursday using his position as president of the International Olympic Committee to promote the Spanish city’s bid to hold the 1992 Summer Games.

Samaranch made his declaration at a luncheon held by the Olympic Organizing Committee of Barcelona, one of seven candidates for the Summer Games. The venue will be chosen by the IOC on Oct. 17 next year.

“I know perfectly well my responsibilities as president of the IOC and I will always honor the confidence placed in me by the IOC members when they elected me in 1980 in Moscow,” Samaranch said in English.

“To believe that I could influence a single member of the IOC is an insult to these ladies and gentleman, and questions their honesty, integrity and independence.”

Delegates from some of Barcelona’s rivals--in addition to the seven Winter Games candidates--were in attendance.

With decision day exactly one year away, the candidate cities have maintained their high profile. Samaranch admitted Thursday that the IOC was concerned with the amount being spent on promotion.

Told that the candidates were spending some $30 million on promotion--more than the Olympics cost to stage before 1972--Samaranch said: “We have nothing to do with the money they are spending, but we are worried.”