Olympics chief fears EU grip on doping rules

The Olympic movement faces the 'frightening' prospect of anti-doping rules coming under the responsibility of the European Union unless the informal European Council, Lisbon, 18-19 October 2007 agrees to exempt sport from EU free-market laws, the President of the International Olympic Committee warned, 17 October 2007.

Jacques Rogge said he still believed that EU heads of government would protect the independence of sport in the EU reform treaty due to be released on the 19 October 2007. He holds that view despite the entrenched opposition of European commissioners, who view sport as an economic activity no different from any other.

IOC: Press Release, 5.10.07: IOC optimistic about seeing article on sport strengthened in the EU Reform Treaty http://www.olympic.org/uk/news/media_centre/press_release_uk.asp?release=2336

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