IOC Declines $100M Sponsorship Offer From Russian Company

The IOC has declined an offer from Russia-based energy company Gazprom “to become a worldwide sponsor in the petroleum products category,” claiming it cannot “consider such an offer for a couple of reasons,” according to AROUND THE RINGS. Sochi, Russia, is bidding for the 2014 Games, and IOC Marketing Commission Chair Gerhard Heiberg said that the IOC “won’t even listen to a Gazprom pitch until after the vote [in July] to avoid any ethical concerns.” Also, Heiberg said that the category “is traditionally held by companies that are national sponsors of the Olympics.” Russian President Vladimir Putin brought up the idea last month during a dinner with IOC President Jacques Rogge, and a source said that Putin indicated Gazprom “was ready to commit to a $100[M] package” (AROUND THE RINGS, 12/1 issue).