A Tiananmen Square volleyball game, China says no
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-11-10 11:21

The international volleyball federation has chastised organizers of the 2008 Beijing Olympics over plans to change the Tian'anmen Square venue of the beach volleyball tournament at the Games.

The Tian'anmen Square is a tourists must of national pride in China's capital of Beijing. [newsphoto]

The federation, known as the FIVB, said Tuesday it was "surprised" after the Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee said it wanted to shift the competition from the Chinese capital's Tiananmen Square - despite a written deal.

"We have a signed commitment," said FIVB president Ruben Acosta in a statement. "The venue had been duly approved by the Beijing 2008 Bidding Committee and the FIVB. We will stand firm on our rights clearly stated in the Olympic Charter."

The FIVB said it would reject any change.

No immediate comment was available from Beijing organizers.

The International Olympic Committee and Chinese organizers have expressed reservations about using the prestigious square in Beijing's imperial Forbidden City, FIVB noted.

"To bring up logistical complications and to say that the image of Tiananmen Square would be jeopardized by beach volleyball doesn't make sense," said FIVB general manager Jean-Pierre Seppey.

Seppey pointed to a lavish concert last month on the square this year by French musician Jean-Michel Jarre.

"The success of that giant popular event can only prove that beach volleyball, with its philosophy of bringing entertainment to the heart of the city, can also be a plus on Tiananmen Square in Beijing in 2008," said Seppey.

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