A probe into how Salt Lake City won the race to stage the 2002 Winter Olympics has begun following allegations of corruption.

The investigation, headed by International Olympic Committee (IOC) vice-president Dick Pound, began on Tuesday.

Pound is reported to have interviewed the officials who headed Salt Lake City's successful bid and he is expected to be report to the IOC executive committee by January 24th.

The IOC, the American Olympic Committee (USOC), the Salt Lake bid committee (SLOC) and the FBI have all opened investigations into the allegations, made by senior IOC member Marc Hodler earlier this month.

Hodler claimed a $500,000 scholarship fund was set up by Salt Lake City which benefited relatives of six IOC voting members. Rene Pacquet, who fronted Quebec's bid for the 2002 games said he may sue the IOC is the allegations are proved.