IOC chief Bach notes 'political' reasons for Rome withdrawal

Posted October 17, 2016 7:00 am

The Associated Press

ROME (AP) - IOC President Thomas Bach has taken note of the "political reasons" behind the withdrawal of Rome's bid for the 2024 Olympics.

The Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) released a letter from Bach to CONI president Giovanni Malago that referred to the city council's vote against the bid following staunch opposition from Mayor Virginia Raggi.

Bach wrote that "it has been clearly demonstrated that the city council's decision was politically motivated for reasons beyond the Olympic project."

Bach added: "Please rest assured that the excellent relations between the IOC and CONI will not be affected by this decision."

Rome's withdrawal leaves Los Angeles, Paris, and Budapest, Hungary, in the running for the 2024 Games. The IOC will select the host city in September 2017.

A view of the CONI (The Italian Olympic Committee) headquarters in Rome, Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016. The Italian Olympic Committee says it is suspending Rome's bid for the 2024 Games for the time being, while leaving open the possibility for a revival if the mayorâs government collapses.(AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) The Associated Press

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