Sports Federation Chief Marius Vizer Says ‘Sorry’ for Manner of IOC Attack, Defends Content

SOCHI, Russia (AP) — Marius Vizer says he is "sorry" for the manner of his attack against the IOC but stands by the harsh criticism that prompted Olympic sports federations to suspend ties with his umbrella body.

With IOC President Thomas Bach in attendance as a guest, Vizer demanded more power for sports federations Monday, branding the IOC's system as "expired, outdated, wrong, unfair and not at all transparent."

That sparked an immediate backlash among some of SportAccord's members, who are Olympic and non-Olympic federations.

The Association of Summer Olympic International Federations, which represents the 28 sports in the games, suspended its involvement with SportAccord in protest. Four individual federations have withdrawn or suspended their membership.

On Wednesday, Vizer told the ASOIF assembly he regretted the "way and moment" he delivered the speech but said he stood by the contents of his arguments.

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