European Olympic Committee vice-president Pat Hickey has attacked the European Union over what he believes is its reticence to take a responsibility for sport in Europe.
But Hickey, who is a candidate to replace Dr Jacques Rogge - the new IOC president - as European Olympic Committee president, is still hopeful thatthe EU and EOC can enjoy a successful relationship.
He warned: "We have had many meetings over the years. There has been much talk, but little action. There is one basic component which the EU can well deliver and that is money. Money is the lifeblood for sports.
"Unfortunately, the EU is like a gold-mine surrounded by a huge thick forest, with advisers at the forest perimeter directing people toimpenetrable, impassible highways to the mine.
"It is clear to me that the EOC and the other interested bodies are going to have a major problem in inducing the EU to play a more responsible,dynamic part in promoting sport among the 15 [EU member countries] apart altogether from the other 33 countries in Europe outside the EU," Hickey said.
"We in the IOC must keep chipping away at the EU to try to get an Article on Sport introduced. By adopting this policy, and with the support ofJacques Rogge, the future looks bright for us to succeed," Hickey said.
PA