IOC Moves to Control Bidding Costs

The International Olympic Committee launched a crackdown today on the free-spending campaigns of cities hoping to host the Games. Flagrant violators could be banished from the bidding.

A day after awarding Atlanta the 1996 Summer Olympics, the IOC’s executive board placed strict limits on the gifts and travel that bidders can offer committee members.

From now on, each bidder can invite each IOC member to visit the city once. Gifts to members are limited to a total of $200.

Unlike previous attempts to hold down expenses, the board this time included punishment in the new rules. It will publicize violations it discovers and--if the bidding crime is bad enough--throw the candidate out.

There have been reports of numerous first-class flights to faraway destinations and lavish presents, including gold medallions and jeweled necklaces, as the lists of bidders have grown.

The scope of the problem was illustrated by Bob Scott, head of Manchester’s unsuccessful bid.

“We spent no money whatsoever on gifts, which didn’t stop members from coming up to me and thanking me for the gifts they received,” Scott said.