ROME (AFP) - The president of Turin's organising commmittee (TOROC) for the 2006 winter Olympic Games resigned in protest at what he sees as the Italian government's meddling in the organisation of the Games.
TOROC president Valentino Castellani, who says he will resign at the next meeting of the organising committee at the end of November, has in recent months had to fight off reports of the Games' imminent demise because of transport and accommodation problems.
However latest reports in La Repubblica newspaper suggest that TOROC has a budget deficit of 180 million euros out of a total budget of 1.175 billion euros.
The former leftist mayor of the northern Italian city's decision comes a day after Italy decided that full responsibility for the organisation of the Games should be handed to the Italian under-secretary for Sport Mario Pescante.
It was that move which prompted Castellani's decision.
"The powers given to Mario Pescante are a real slap in the face and shows there exists no trust in the work we have done so far and the work we have still to do," said Castellani in a written statement.
"I've tried to always give priority to the work that has been done and tried to do my best for what is a great opportunity for the city, the region, and for Italy.
"Today, however, I say enough is enough. To continue in the same vein is pointless. You simply can't do a job like mine if you don't have the confidence and support of all those who share the responsibility of organising the Games."
The changes at the head of TOROC come amid general uncertainty over the orgainsation of the Games.
Ten days ago Turin mayor Sergio Chiamparino ordered an immediate audit of the 2006 Winter Olympics accounts to find a way out of what he has described as a financial dead end.
"It's the only way out of the current impasse," he told La Repubblica.
Last week International Ski Federation (FIS) president Gian-Franco Kasper said Turin was 4,000 rooms short of requirements and transport glitches could force some fans to make five-hour trips to see events at the Games.
According to the FIS, Turin organisers have failed to persuade local people to vacate and rent their homes and apartments for the Olympic period.
However Castellani on Thursday hit back saying: "It is not right to say there's a hole in the budget for the Turin Olympics.
"It's true there is a deficit, but it is a sign of our transparency and honesty to show that."
He added: "We have a prevision for a deficit of 150 million euros, which, when you break it down, is mainly due to a lack of 90 million euros expected from sponsors, and in particular from the State."
Castellani affirmed that the money from a specially held lottery could help to balance the books.
Ticket sales meanwhile are expected to bring in 75 million euros, a figure which will be the third most important in the event's revenues following the sale of television rights and sponsors.
11/04/2004 - 20:06 GMT - AFP