Libya allocated hundreds of 2012 Olympics tickets

Jun 15, 2011, 11:15 GMT

London - The British government and organizers of the 2012 London Olympic Games confirmed Wednesday that Libya has been allocated several hundred tickets for sporting events but rejected the notion that Moamer Gaddafi could be among spectators.

A government spokesman, reacting to reports that Libya's Olympic Committee (NOC) had been given tickets, said: 'As with all national organizing committees, the Libyan NOC, not an individual, has been allocated a few hundred tickets which they are responsible for distributing to sports organisations and athletes within their country.'

'Gaddafi, his son and key figures in the current Libyan government are banned from entering the EU and will not be coming to the Olympic Games,' he added.

Every international visitor was subject to British immigration controls and would be refused entry if they did not meet the rules.

The Libyan NOC is run by Gaddafi's oldest son, Muhammad Gaddafi, and the country's attendance is coordinated by the Gaddafi family, the Daily Telegraph reported Wednesday.

It said countries including Zimbabwe and Myanmar had also been allocated tickets for the Olympics in London next year.

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