World Events

Stars

China

Basketball

Soccer

Tennis

N.America

Olympics

IOC calls for end of international torch relays

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-03-27 15:40

WASHINGTON -- Olympic leaders called Thursday for an end to international torch relays starting next year in Vancouver.

The International Olympic Committee announced the change at its three-day meetings in Denver, but said it doesn't require an adjustment of the contracts for host cities.

There was no requirement for cities to take the relays internationally, but in recent years, the cities would request such a tour.

Gilbert Felli, the IOC's executive director for the Olympic Games, said the IOC started recognizing risks during the relay before the Athens Games.

"However, at the time, Beijing had already started its planning for the international torch relay, and we had accepted to do it accordingly," Felli said.

The IOC executive board also received updates on the Vancouver, London and Sochi Games and didn't report any major problems.

There were no further meetings Thursday to discuss revenue sharing between the IOC and US Olympic Committee.