IOC warns India of a possible ban

Lausanne (Switzerland), Jan 13 (PTI) The InternationalOlympic Committee today warned India of a possible ban fromthe Olympics unless it resolves the spat over the country''ssports chiefs.

After a two-day meeting here, the IOC executive boardsaid India will have take care of a number of issues.

"Consquently if the situation does not evolve positively,the IOC executive board will consider taking appropriatemeasures and actions which might seriously affect therepresentation and participation of India at the Olympic Gamesand international sports events coming up," the IOC said in astatement.

The international Olympic body insisted that the Indiangovernment had agreed at a meeting here last year to adopt ajointly draft constitution while will respect the autonomy ofof the Indian Olympic Association and the national federationsaffiliated under it.

IOC''s threat came after the India government last yeardecided to limit the tenure and age of the country''s topsports officials.

If the Indian government refuses to move from its stance,the IOC has the power to impose sanctions including suspendingthe country from its membership -- a move that would preventit taking part in the 2012 London Olympics.