Locog Suspends Boa Duo Over Finance Row

The London 2012 organising committee (LOCOG) has suspended British Olympic Association (BOA) chairman Lord Moynihan and chief executive Andy Hunt – following the legal row over the financial surplus from the London 2012 Games.

Media reports suggest the pair were suspended because of a conflict of interest – and both Lord Moynihan and Hunt did not attend a meeting of the board this week.

A LOCOG spokesperson said that they both remain directors of LOCOG but: ‘The board has decided to exclude them from board meetings whilst they are individually and actively involved in pursuing a dispute against LOCOG’.

The BOA however, has said it would not be taking similar action to LOCOG.

A BOA statement said: ‘With respect to the British Olympic Association board of directors, we do not feel a similar action is necessary and we are not taking the same steps as LOCOG’.

‘This decision by LOCOG will have no bearing on our primary responsibility, which is to prepare Team GB for the London 2012 Olympic Games’.

Meanwhile, the International Paralympic Committee has accused the BOA of undermining its vision for London 2012 – after claims from the association that the Paralympics will make a substantial loss.

The BOA is entitled to 20% of any surplus from London 2012 and wants its share to be paid before the Paralympics are taken into account – a dispute that has taken to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The crucial distinction is that the Paralympics will need to be subsidised, whereas the Olympics could potentially turn a small profit.