After a year, SLOC Bribery Scandal still reverberates (IOC still reeling from Salt Lake City avalanche)
Toronto Canada Star (San Jose Mercury News) 22Nov99 S2
by opening a once-secretive group to outside scrutiny. The resulting

The effort also led to commissioning a reform body that last month recommended sweeping changes. If adopted the rules could affect the group's fundamental approach to the Olympics, from selecting host cities to testing athletes for drugs.

The push for reform has also ignited increased anti-American feelings. Many International officers, such as IOC president, Juan Antonio Samaranch, have remained defiant in the face of the scandal adversity, claiming that the entire fault resides with the Salt Lake City committee.

The IOC president has been asked to appear before a House panel Dec. 15. A knowledgeable Olympic source said If Samaranch, president for almost two decades, feels mistreated by Congress, he will retaliate by blocking American efforts to secure future Olympic Games. Eight U.S. cities are campaigning to win the right to play host to the 2012 Summer Games.

However, the arrogant Samaranch could meet some significant resistance. Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Los Angeles, has introduced legislation to cut off any and all American corporate support for any future Olympics unless the IOC significantly changes its selection process.

Some of the recommendations the IOC will consider establishing next month include an age limit of 70 for new nominees, renewable eight-year terms instead of lifetime appointments, and a mandate for more diverse membership, including active athletes and presidents of international federations. It also wants to put the city selection process in the hands of paid business/athletic professionals instead of committee members.