The Associated Press reports that Castellani said he will submit his resignation at a board meeting on November 24.
Turin 2006 spokesman Giuseppe Gattino told aroundtherings.com the decision was taken because a “clear role for the president has to be given”.
“It can’t be Mr. Pescante doing one thing and Mr. Castellani doing another,” he said.
Castellani’s decision came following the government’s appointment yesterday of Mario Pescante, Italy’s deputy sports minister, to oversee the operations.
Gattino added that it was possible Castellani could be persuaded to stay, but that his resignation will be final “if there is not a clear role given to the president and there is no change in the situation.”
Earlier Castellani said he rejected talk of a “hole” in Turin’s budget for the 2006 Winter Games and is confident increased revenues will be found.
Castellani said there was a budget shortfall of $190.7million but they expected to make up the bulk of that amount. He said the budget was the result of expected sponsorship deals that have not yet come to fruition, and a four per cent rise in costs.
The shortfall does not affect the budget for event venues that are being covered by public money.
