Rogge rules out arrests of doping athletes

TURIN, Italy — Italian police will have powers to raid the Olympic village during the 2006 Winter Games to investigate drug-dealing but won’t take criminal action against athletes suspected of doping, IOC president Jacques Rogge said Friday.

“We do not want imprisonment for athletes,” Rogge said. “They are not a danger for society, but the drug dealers are.”

The International Olympic Committee has expressed concern about Italy’s anti-doping laws, under which athletes can face criminal charges for possession or use of performance-enhancing drugs.

Fearful of possible arrests of athletes at next year’s Turin Olympics, the IOC told Italian officials that the IOC and World Anti-Doping rules must take precedence during the games. Under those regulations, athletes face disqualification and expulsion for doping but not criminal sanctions.

Rogge said he received pledges from the Italian government that the legislation will be “adjusted in due time” for the Olympics.

“Do we need judicial powers of the state? Of course,” Rogge said. “If this allows the possibility to seize drugs and catch dealers, we agree with that. But the athletes will not be penally prosecuted.

“Dealers whether they are coaches, athletes, or whoever, are a different matter. The police can go in, not to take athletes away to prison but to see if there is drug-dealing going on.”

Rogge spoke at the close of a two-day IOC executive board meeting coinciding with the one-year countdown to the Feb. 10-26, 2006, Turin Olympics.

The IOC chief reiterated his confidence in the games’ organizers, who have faced a $196 million budget shortfall and worries over accommodations and transportation.

“They are now moving into a crucial operational phase,” Rogge said. “The IOC is happy with the preparations. We have no special concerns. There are still many things to be done and finalized. We will work until the last day, probably night and day, but that’s the fate of all organizing committees.”

Rogge said public awareness of the Turin Olympics was increasing following a period of apathy and indifference.

“Italy is now embracing the games,” he said. “It is going to be a resounding success.”

Also Friday, Rogge unveiled a four-year deal with Swiss company Adecco to help Olympic athletes find jobs once their sporting careers are over.