London Olympics chief denies role in Games tickets scam

Jun 18, 2012 |

London

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London Olympics

London Olympics chief Lord Sebastian Coe has denied any link to an alleged black marketing of 2012 tickets.

The Tory peer, in a statement, said that he never assisted a Greek counterpart who 'pulled strings' to get more tickets, the Daily Express reports.

His denial came as the International Olympic Committee launched an investigation into claims of ticket profiteering in 54 countries.

The IOC is investigating newspaper claims that officials and ticket agencies have been breaking rules for sale of tickets as part of a moneymaking scam.

Reporters, posing as touts, were allegedly offered thousands of tickets by Olympic officials from Greece, China, Serbia and Lithuania.

Greek Olympic Committee (HOC) head Spyros Capralos claimed he persuaded 'close friend Lord Coe' to give him tickets.

The extra allocation would be sold to corporate buyers despite rules they must go to Greek fans.

The office of Lord Coe, 55, who won four Olympic medals, said: "With regard to 'boasts' by HOC that -discussions on tickets took place with Sebastian Coe, we can confirm this is untrue."

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