Britain’s IOC member Craig Reedie said that London would make it clear its bid leaders had intended no harm by the offers made last week in Berlin.
He insisted London was not trying to bribe anybody and it was important to withdraw the offers to avoid any argument.
London has also pointed out that similar incentives have been offered at previous Olympics, but that the plane tickets offered this time around were designed to improve the experience for athletes, a key concern underpinning the city’s bid.
IOC member Kevan Gosper of Australia, and a former vice president of the IOC, said London was wise to address the problem now rather than wait to be ordered to make changes by the IOC.
The Evening Standard newspaper yesterday reported that London bid leaders have cancelled plans for a second programme of incentives for the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) blue chip sponsors, such as McDonald’s and Visa.
According to the newspaper the exact details of the package were still being finalised but have now been ruled out.
