IOC modifies bidding system

The IOC8217;s Executive Board had originally wanted to give the final decision on the 2006 Games to a smaller selection committee to avoid any possibility of widespread vote-buying by candidate cities.

But faced with a revolt from members who did not want to lose their right to vote, the Executive put forward a compromise which was accepted by the today8217;s session.

Under the compromise, the selection committee will shortlist two candidates and the whole membership will then take part in a final vote on the venue.

A vote is scheduled to be taken on the 2006 Games in June in Seoul with six candidates for selection8211;the Swiss town of Sion, Turin in Italy, Helsinki in combination with Lillehammer in Norway, Poland8217;s Zakopane, Slovakia8217;s Poprad Tatry and Austria8217;s Klagenfurt which is fronting a three-country effort with centres in Slovenia and Italy. Sion and Turin are the current favourites.