Probe cites Samaranch

Federal investigators have started subpoenaing people and asking for evidence in preparation for a federal grand jury to be convened in Salt Lake City next week in the latest moves in the Olympic bribery scandal.

In addition, federal investigators have asked area law-enforcement officials for information on escort services to see if bid organisers might have paid for sex for IOC members.

And more reports cite International Olympic Committee president Juan Antonio Samaranch as among the worst offenders in terms of wanting royal treatment paid for by bid committees upon his visits to Salt Lake City.

"He had to fly in on a private jet. He had to stay in the presidential suite. It had to be the finest room in the city," said Kim Warren, international relations director for Salt Lake's bid committee in 1990 and 1991.

Former Salt Lake Olympic bid committee secretary Stephanie Pate will be among those who testify before a federal grand jury looking into tax fraud and bribery charges.

Pate plans to meet on Wednesday with Justice Department officials on looking into the scandal that rocked the Olympic movement, with Salt Lake officials giving money and lavish gifts to win the 2002 Winter Games.

David Watkiss, Pate's attorney, said she would co-operate with the FBI and Justice Department probe before testifying to a grand jury. She has not co-operated with other investigations.

Pate worked from 1990 to 1997 under Tom Welch when he directed the Salt Lake bid and organising committees.

She now works at US West, a sponsor which delayed until Saturday making a $5 million endorsement payment to the Games but went ahead, saying proper action was being taken by officials.

Salt Lake City officials have asked the IOC to ensure that taxpayers will not be liable for any debt incurred due to the scandal shutting down sponsor money, still $250 million shy of what is needed to complete a $1.4 billion budget.

Mike Leavitt, Utah's governor, said Samaranch - himself pressed to resign by many - has not agreed to help the bid meet costs but added, "I sense they are prepared to do so. They share responsibility in this."