A "strongly-worded letter" was sent by a group of German athletes to IOC President Thomas Bach, calling for the organization to "reform Rule 40 and divert more of its income directly to competitors," according to Nick Butler of INSIDE THE GAMES. The open letter, written by the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) Athletes' Commission chaired by fencer Max Hartung, was written as the country's Federal Cartel Office considers legal action against the DOSB -- and indirectly the IOC -- "over a possible violation of competition law" through the "controversial" Rule 40 restrictions. The letter also calls for 25% of IOC revenues to go directly to athletes and for 10% to be paid to WADA. The IOC rejected the criticisms and insisted the current system is the "best to provide adequate backing" for athletes and other bodies that support them. Rule 40.3 of the Olympic Charter warns that "no competitor, team official or other team personnel who participates in the Olympic Games may allow his person, name, picture or sports performances to be used for advertising purposes during the Olympic Games." The letter said, "By submitting to the IOC Charter and thus under Rule 40, it is only marginally possible for athletes worldwide to advertise with partners and sponsors in the economically most important phase of their sporting career. ... Athletes are losing crucial advertising revenues and possible further partnerships that can contribute to securing their financial and economic situation" (INSIDE THE GAMES, 5/23).
