Milan Withdraws Olympic Bid

Milan is withdrawing its bid for the 2000 Olympic Games, the city’s sports commissioner said Wednesday, declaring that the Italian city’s image had been sullied by political corruption.

“We had a good reputation at an international level until last year,” Massimo Moretti said. “By now the city’s image has been spoiled and we have little credibility abroad. Our Olympic adventure is over. We are retracting the bid.”

Still in the running to host the Games in 2000 are Beijing; Berlin; Brasilia; Istanbul, Turkey; Manchester, England, and Sydney, Australia. The IOC will select the host city on Sept. 23.