ALL THE NEWS, ACTION AND REACTION LIVE FROM MONTE CARLO AS IT HAPPENS!

By Nick Butler, Duncan Mackay and David Owen at the Grimaldi Forum in Monte Carlo
Click refresh for latest updates. All times stated are Monacan

BREAKING: All 40 recommendations of Olympic Agenda 2020 unanimously passed

Good night!

19:30 I hope you've enjoyed all the action today, and that you will be back following the insidethegames live blog again here tomorrow. I will leave you with David Owen's report on the changes to the IOC membership rules, which can be read here, and his blog on the repercussions of Agenda 2020, here. . 

19:27 But, as we wrap things up for tonight, it has also been a historic day which could have important ramifications for elements of the Olympic Movement, especially with regard to the sports programme and the bidding process.

We will have more reports and reaction up over the evening, as the IOC members all off to the Golden Rings Awards Ceremony celebrations. But we will be back tomorrow morning for the conclusion of the Session, with Kosovo's likely acceptance as an IOC member the standout item on the agenda. 

The more I read the Agenda 2020 the more I think, its stating the b...ing obvious. All a bit of a procession today wasn't it.
- Olympic historian Philip Barker expresses what I imagine a lot of people may be thinking about the reforms today.

19:21 This picture, also posted by Coventry, pretty much sums up proceedings. Hands in the air, hands in the air and no a single no vote, or even a single abstention. Although saying that, it would have been pretty hard to be the one single voice of dissent, and not much to gain out of it either. We will never know, but I wonder if things would have been different if votes had been conducted electronically...



19:15 Interesting that St Lucia's Richard Peterkin appears to have stopped tweeting after his heroic performance today. Kirsty Coventry of Zimbabwe has taken up the mantle. 

All 40 Recommendations accepted unanimously. #greatleader #presidentBach #olympics
- Zimbabwe's Kirsty Coventry congratulates Thomas Bach on the success of Agenda 2020. 

19:04 And that is that. Bach takes a final question in French and then heads off for an evening of celebrations. He is going for a swim in the sea, quips Mark Adams. A very successful day for Thomas Bach which has set a good stage for the next seven or 11 years of his Presidency, he will hope.

18:55 Lots more questions have been asked, including if Bach has any advice for Beijing's 2022 Olympic bid. "Today, we approved a register of Olympic bidding consultants and I am not on that register, so I am not allowed to comment." The question of proposed changes to the Pyeongchang 2018 Sliding Centre was also raised, but Bach answers only that if agreements are found between all the relevant stakeholders, then changes will be permitted. 

He doesn't bite on whether he was surprised eight IOC members were not able to attend the Session today. "They all had very good reasons, so I am not surprised whatsoever," he says. He gives even less on whether he was surprised a certain FIFA President did not register any dissent on the issue of age limits. "I am happy that we had unanimous approval for all 40 recommendations," he says.

But he is full of soundbites in response to some other questions. "This will be a positive day for the Olympic Movement," he replies, when asked how this day will be remembered in 20 years time. "We took the right decisions with a vision for the future of the Olympic Movement. We are getting the Movement closer to the youth and the people. We are really fostering our relations with society at large."



18:40 Thomas Bach and IOC Communications Director Mark Adams have arrived for the press conference. No preamble, straight into questions. First one is on the priority of Agenda 2020. "Give me a break," says Bach. "There are many things to consider because there are many implications which we should carefully consider. But quite a few have already been implemented today,"

Next question is on the sport programme. Why was there no talk about which events could be cut? A lot of things have to be considered, Bach replies.

18:22 Chief columnist David Owen has spoken to FIFA head Sepp Blatter about the age limits recommendation. He ultimately decided not to propose a change because he is a "team player", he said. We will bring you more on this soon. Incidentally, David has also written a story on the approved Olympic TV channel plans. Read it here.

All the recommendations have been passed. IOC President Thomas Bach is doing a press conference at 18:30. We will bring you updates soon.

"One member to add to the eight that we reported earlier are missing this IOC Session is Austria's Leo Wallner, who was due to complete his term next year when he reaches 80 but has stepped down a year early at the age of 79. The resignation of Wallner, a member since 1998, was announced by the Austrian Olympic Committee today in a press release.

Wallner had been elected immediately at the IOC Session held on the eve of the Winter Olympics in Nagano 16 years ago. Wallner, former director general of the Casinos Austria AG, was President of the NOC between 1990 and 2006, when he stepped down following Salzburg's unsuccessful bid to host the 2014 Winter Olympics and Paralympics amid claims of financial corruption."
- Editor Duncan Mackay on news Austria's Leo Wallner has stood down as IOC member.

IOC Agenda 2020 recommendations: IOC membership

18:10 Questions are over, and there has been no criticism. Some more platitudes are being voiced now, and then we will go to the proposals. 

And there it is, proposals on the age limits have been accepted. So there will be exceptions permitted for those over 70, but not over 80. So Blatter will be out in 2016, we can conclude, regardless of how he does in the FIFA Presidential election next year. But it could be a real political bloodbath as to who gets those positions I feel, with a huge number of late 60 something members... 



18:01 "Flexibility is key", says Sheikh Ahmad, the ANOC and Olympic Council of Asia head. "This is one of the most complicated issues," he adds, before supporting the proposal. No real comment on the "80" issue, however. Next up is Richard "man-of-the-match" Peterkin. Can he finish with a flourish? 

He is serious this time, and calls for greater consultation. A very irritating question now in my opinion, from Sweden's Stefan Holm. "I want to congratulate the 14 Working Groups and the IOC President...but we must keep working hard" I know this probably helps with his promotion hopes, but the IOC member debate was really getting going then.

Sepp Blatter's seat is empty, we have spotted.

17:58 First question is from Russia's Vitaly Smirnov, who is the longest serving IOC member, having been in the role since 1971. He will be 80 next February but supports the measure as a way to "bring through new blood", and he looks forward to graduating to IOC honorary member status.

Next up is Prince Imran, who suggests some IF Presidents may seek to stay in their position once they are over 70 purely to remain an IOC member. This is a worry, he says, and could lead to a conflict of interest. Now Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah has the floor, the Kuwaiti widely seen as the most important powerbroker in the Olympic Movement. Very interesting. 

17:48 Sepp Blatter, who will be 80 in 2016, is one figure seeking an extension to the age limit. We've done a few stories on this, but here's a broad overview of the context: The nuclear option - could Sepp Blatter be tempted to use the World Cup timing issue to bend the IOC to his will?

So as it stands, since the age limit rules were introduced no IOC members can remain beyond the age of 70, except those that were there already. No one is allowed to be over 80. The proposal is to allow four exceptions at any one time, who are allowed to be over 70. But noone will be allowed over 80, we have learned - (although this is not explicitly stated). Some believe any age limit is a violation of equality, but it is a more an issue of competence and a means to evolve and bring through new blood, others claim.



17:42 So, remarkably, we are now onto the very last section. Working Group 14 on IOC Membership. But it could be a case of "last but not least", because we have been looking forward to this all day.

37. Address IOC membership age limit
38. Implement a targeted recruitment process
39. Foster dialogue with society and within the Olympic Movement
40. Review scope and composition of IOC commissions

It is the first point on the age limits which could prove most controversial. Will we see a no vote? Or, at the very least, an abstention. I sincerely hope so.

Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg is leading a Group which also includes Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah of Kuwait, as well as Anita L. Defrantz, Barbara Kendall, Lingwei Li, Julio César Maglione, Sam Ramsamy and Francesco Ricci Bitti.

IOC Agenda 2020 recommendations: Strategic review of sponsorship, licensing and merchandising

17:36 All are passed with objection. Well I never...

17:30 Now, the chairman for this Group is Tsunekazu Takeda of Japan, but he was unable to attend the meeting due to a bereavement back home. so IOC Executive Board member Juan Antonio Samaranch has assumed the duties for now. Four recommendations in this penultimate section, on:

33. Further involve sponsors in "Olympism in Action" programmes
34. Develop a global licensing programme
35. Foster TOP sponsors' engagement with NOCs
36. Extend access to the Olympic brand for non-commercial use

Yang Yang, the former speed skater from China, asks her first question of the day. Prince Albert also speaks, he has asked a few, as has Octavian Morariu, the Romanian European Rugby head who has to ask his question in two languages - French then English - because Samaranch over-estimated his ability to understand the former without translation. 

IOC recognise non-discrimination on sexual orientation (see 14:59)



17:26 The decision earlier today by the IOC Session to formally protect lesbian, gay and bisexual people in the Olympic Charter has been hailed by Andre Banks, Executive Director and co-founder of All Out, a two million-member global movement for love and equality.

"The Olympic Movement has now stood up for love and equality by officially recognising gay, lesbian and bi athletes and fans," he said. "This gain was made possible because of the global outcry demanding 'No More Sochi's' including from hundreds of thousands of All Out members. We will continue to push to make sure this change is reflected in the selection of new host cities and expanded to include protections for gender identity."

IOC Agenda 2020 recommendations: Ethics

17:18 But, funnily enough, no questions have been raised and they've well and truly sped through proceedings. All three have been accepted already.

17:12 This Group is chaired by IOC Ethics Commission chair Youssoupha Ndiaye, with three recommendations to be discussed.

30. Strengthen the IOC Ethics Commission independence
31. Ensure compliance
32. Strengthen ethics



We're moving on to ethics in a moment, but for a brief respite before then, David Owen has written his views on proceedings so far. Click here to read his full blog: (David Owen: Will the IOC now grasp its opportunity for change?)

TV Channel, bid process and sports programme to the fore. We also have published a report on the morning session here in Monte Carlo, with more reports to follow.

Vanessa Mae's involvement in Olympic Agenda 2020?

Vanessa Mae's absence from the list people involved in the IOC Culture Working Group (see 15:35) was nothing to do with her four-year suspension for allegedly being involved in the manipulation of results which saw her qualify for Sochi, it has been claimed.'It was because she did not take part in the Working Group and made no written contribution either,' IOC Communications Director Mark Adams has told insidethegames.
- Clarification on the omission of Vanessa Mae's name earlier. Gets the IOC out of a potentially tight spot, that one. 

IOC Agenda 2020 recommendations: Autonomy

17:02 Questions from Ottavio Cinquanta and Prince Imran of Malaysia. Dealt with fairly swiftly by Sir Craig and we are on to votes already. Oh gosh, have we had an abstention? 

"Is that an abstention from Mr Popov, or is that just your hair," asks Bach. "My hair, Mr President," replies the Russian. Alas, a false alarm... I suppose when you are six foot six your hair does tend to stand out. The trio of proposals are all subsequently passed...

But unanimous doesn't quite mean unanimous in the complete sense of the word because, as Duncan Mackay has pointed out, Italy's Mario Pescante is standing about 10 metres from us in the press room rather than in the hall...

Prince Imran asked an interesting question, incidentally, on "whether IFs have to report on how Olympic revenues from IOC are spent, as NOCs have to...?" Didn't really get a direct answer from Sir Craig.

15:55 Next up is the man to the second left of the below shot, IOC vice-president and World Anti Doping Agency head Sir Craig Reedie, on Good Governance and Autonomy. Another fairly obvious area this one, I feel, considering how "autonomy" have been one of the most trumpeted words of 2014 in IOC circles.

27. Comply with basic principles of good governance
28. Support autonomy
29. Increase transparency



IOC Agenda 2020 recommendations: Culture policy

Great Britain introduced an Olympic artist in 1984. Painter Kevin Whitney was chosen for Los Angeles. Art initiatives in 1984 encouraged by BOA education sub committee through Don Anthony & Dick Palmer. Later IOC under Samaranch instigated a permanent Olympic museum which opened in 1993 at Quai d'Ouchy in Lausanne.
- Olympic historian Philip Barker on culture in Olympic history. Who was the last man before Lambis Nikolaou to address the IOC in Greek, Barker asks? I will give you a few moments to thing about that...

16:48 Shock, horror, would you believe it, they've only gone and passed the recommendation. 

16:45 Lambis Nikolaou of Greece is the speaker for this area, which has one recommendation, on "further blending sport and culture", building on the vision of Olympic founder Pierre de Coubertin. Questions from Gerhard Heiberg of Norway, Samih Moudallal of Syria and Alexander Zhukov of Russia. Zhukov says that they would like to build an Olympic Museum in Russia, but he wonders whether the profits, under the Host City Contract, would have to go to the IOC. "No," replies Bach, welcoming idea and saying it would be left to the host nation.

15:35 Next up is the Working Group on Culture policy and, very interestingly, violinist turned skier Vanessa Mae, who was part of this Group, is not listed among the members as it is introduced. Maybe something to do with the recent revelations concerning how she qualified for Sochi, I wonder. See our latest article (Vanessa Mae appeals to CAS following four-year skiing ban)

IOC Agenda 2020 recommendations: Youth Olympic Games

Want real Youth Strategy -cancel youth Olympic Games. Use savings for further investment in Channel,Education & getting sport on curriculum
- Clearly, the Youth Olympic Games was not Michael Payne's idea

16:30 But both proposals have been accepted.

16:25 Questions from Sweden's Stefan Holm, who says his first experience of the Olympic Games came at the European Youth Olympic Festival. But he is worried how low profile the Games continue to be. Similar sentiments are uttered by New Zealand's Barry Maister, who is concerned that New Zealand chose not to send teams in several sports. "But the athletes who were there performed a very good haka," quips Bach, who is clearly on a bit of a roll now.



16:16 So we are pressing on and Ser Miang Ng of Singapore, another Presidential rival of Thomas Bach last year, is back to talk about the future of the Youth Olympic Games. Incidentally, during that race, Ng received the dubious honour of being the first IOC member I ever interviewed, on the very subject of youth during the Asian Youth Games in Nanjing. 

The proposal here is to set up a Tripartite Commission, with the IOC, NOCs and IFs to review in depth all aspects of the Games, as well as to move the Games to odd year cycles after 2020, meaning the Summer Games after that would take place in 2023.

Biggest decision of the day so far: To tea or not to tea?

16:10 Big moment. "I am expecting this next vote to be closer," says Bach. "Is it age limits now," asks Editor Duncan Mackay? But, no, I can see where this is going. And sure enough...

"We could break for coffee now, or we could press on and try and finish tonight," he says, to immediate applause. There are six calls to break for coffee, but Bach is playing hardball. "You can take an individual coffee break, but we are going by majority decision and will carry on." This may mean they do pass all 40 recommendations tonight. 

IOC Agenda 2020 recommendations: Olympism in Action

16:06 While we've been distracted with seagulls and trawlers, another five recommendations have been passed. It's getting hard to keep up. The latest group is on "Olympism in Action, incl.
Youth strategy" and is chaired by Argentina's Gerardo Werthein.

20. Enter into strategic partnerships
21. Strengthen IOC advocacy capacity
22. Spread Olympic values-based education
23. Engage with communities
24. Evaluate the Sport for Hope programme

A couple of questions, with International Paralympic Committee President Sir Philip Craven making a first contribution, on education, while another is made by Princess Anne. A good effort by the British IOC members so far today, with IOC vice-president Sir Craig Reedie chairing another of the Working Groups still to come.

This is one of those areas which is fairly self-explanatory, but "strengthening partnership with UNESCO" and sharing educational programmes electronically are highlighted. 

IOC member of the match?

"I've just told Richard Peterkin he has won your man of the match award. he asked if there is a prize. I said yes...one of their colourful ties presented by Mr Mackay himself."
- John Eades, Operations Director at the Commonwealth Games Federation, has a prize for IOC member "man (women) of the match". Claudia Bokel, Adam Pengilly, Prince Albert, where are you, there's an insidethegames tie up for grabs now...



#Olympic Channel. I had my first discussion with Bach about this idea 15 years ago - long time coming.
- Michael Payne makes it clear who was the real brain behind the plans for the Olympic TV channel.

Sports programme and the passing of more recommendations

World triple jump Jonathan Edwards has been back in touch after a call from Richard Pound for his event to be dropped from the Olympic programme, along with synchronised swimming. He is comparing "apples and oranges", claims the Briton.
- Editor Duncan Mackay's effort to get a comment off world record holder Jonathan Edwards that makes sense is not going too well. He does not quite appear to have accepted the potential seriousness of the situation. His latest comment reminds us of one of the most famous interview answers in press conference history, given by France and Manchester United footballer Eric Cantona in 1995.

After being severely punished for launching a 'kung-fu' style kick into the crowd at a fan who had shouted abuse at him after he was sent off, Cantona said to reporters: "When the seagulls follow the trawler, it's because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea. Thank you very much", before walking out. 



Cantona, Jonathan Edwards and Sports Programme Working Group chair Franco Carraro all seem to be cut from the same cloth when making a point clearly is concerned...

IOC Agenda 2020 recommendations: Olympic TV Channel

15:50 And the IOC has rejected the Olympic TV Channel! Jokes, that was just to wake you up, they've accepted it, of course they have, they have accepted all 19 so far.

15:43 Back to the TV Channel and Yiannis Exarchos is replying to the questions now. He provides reassurances to Namibia's Frankie Fredericks, who was concerned the Channel could divert attention from the athletes. This is not the case, he is told. The choice of Spain is partly because OBS is already based there and also because, as a member of the European Union, it is perfectly suited to the necessary demands.

No decision has been made yet on whether it will broadcast 24 hours a day, but the focus is more on how to keep attention between the Games rather than during them, he says in response to questions on what will be shown during the Games themselves. My colleague David Owen has been scribbling furiously throughout this debate, so will have a full article up later on this, for some more detailed explanations. 

Changes to Olympic sports programme

15:37 More on the suggestion of Canadian IOC member Dick Pound we brought you at 14:59 that events like the triple jump could be considered to be dropped from the programme.

"insidethegames has contacted world record holder and 2000 Olympic gold medallist Jonathan Edwards to ask what he thinks about Richard Pound's proposal that triple jump be dropped from the Games programme. We have received a one-word email. "Hilarious," is all it says. We don't think he was joking, Jonathan..."
- Editor Duncan Mackay on proposals to change the Olympic sports programme



IOC Agenda 2020 recommendations: Olympic TV Channel

15:32 But, man of the match so far, without a doubt, continues to be Richard Peterkin of St Lucia. "Mr Bach, you came to power with an agenda for change, like President Obama," he proclaims at the beginning of his question. "I hope you will prove more successful." 

He has also tweeted this gem.

My arm hurts from voting yes so often. would it be different if the votes were by blind ballot? I doubt it. Other options in the future.
- Richard Peterkin has already accused IOC members of behaving like "sheep" earlier on today...(see 13:51)

15:25 Lots more questions, with two members, Prince Imran of Malaysia and Austin Sealy of Barbados, asking why it is planned for the TV Channel to be based in Spain. We also get a first contribution from Kuwait's Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah, President of the Association of National Olympic Committees, who sat on this Working Group and is expressing the support of NOCs and Olympic Solidarity.

And, wait for it, behind him we have just caught a glimpse of FIFA President Sepp Blatter! He's arrived. (scroll down to 14:10)

15:16 So next up is one of the most eagerly anticipated elements of the days proceedings, plans to introduce the first permanent Olympic Television channel. Working Group chair Thomas Bach begins the presentation, before passing to Yiannis Exarchos, chief executive of Olympic Broadcasting Services, and then to Ser Miang Ng, head of the IOC Finance Commission.

Cost is the key point being cited so far. Here below is some notes we have been provided on the projected financial costs, a conservative estimate, according to Bach.

- Olympic Channel is necessary investment tool to promote the Olympic Movement and sustain growth of future revenues and redistribution
- Realistic Financial Model in place to fund the investment in the Olympic Channel.
- The Finance Commission have reviewed and agreed on the Financial Model.
- 7 years 2015 - 2021 estimated projection : Operational costs for OC digital €446 million, seven Yr. plus + 10% of cost for sensitivity: Total €490 million
- Corporate and legal structure set up is being investigated with the objective of finding the most efficient model.



Baseball and softball welcome Agenda 2020 proposals

15:08 No surprise that the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) have welcomed the new flexible sports programme, as it is widely assumed they will now be added to Tokyo 2020.

"The WBSC fully shares the IOC's vision of Olympic reform under President Bach, and stands ready to support and assist the Olympic Movement in implementing the reforms, wherever baseball and softball can help," WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari said.

"It's like when the manager calls you off the bench to pick up the bat and warm up, and the bases are loaded. All you want to do is swing for the fences!

"Today, there is excitement circulating around the baseball and softball world and there is great hope that our athletes will now have a real opportunity - the pinnacle and highest honour in our sport - to play for their country, aiming to win an Olympic gold medal."

14:59 Before we turn our attention to the next item on the agenda, the Olympic Television Channel, a quick wrap up of the section on athletes.

Also proposed was an agreement to include non-discrimination on sexual orientation as part of the 6th Fundamental Principal of Olympism.

The IOC to include non-discrimination on sexual orientation in the 6th Fundamental Principal of Olympism, Unanimously Agreed.
- IOC member Kirsty Coventry reacts to the agreement on the 6th Fundamental Principal of Olympism

No room for triple jump and race walking?

"IAAF Presidential candidate Sebastian Coe has admitted athletics will be one of the main sports under pressure following the adoption of changes to the Olympic programme. "We take a fifth of the number of competitors to the Olympics so, if you're going to cap numbers and be more flexible, then, of course, we will be under threat," he said. "We have 47 different disciplines so it's inevitable."

Canada's Richard Pound has already called for the removal of triple jump from the Olympic programme. "The triple jump is a sacrosanct discipline in track and field," said Coe. He also defended race walking, another event which could be under threat of removal. "It is a very important part of our sport," said the double Olympic 1,500m gold medallist."
- Editor Duncan Mackay on the beginnings of what looks set to be heated discussions over the future of the Olympic sports programme. Pound also highlighted synchronised swimming as a sport which could be potentially removed.

IOC Agenda 2020 recommendations: Athletes, at the heart of the Olympic Movement

14:52 The five proposals are all accepted, although, for the third time, Bach forgets to propose to Olympic Charter revisions. "When I was on the Juridical Commission, I considered this very important," he chortles.

14:45 Bokel's answer to Cinquanta was greeted by some wild gesticulating and stereotypically Italian hand gestures. He then interrupts Bach to repeat his objection to prize money, only for Bach to explain that none of the money is in fact going towards prize money. "If you had listened to me for 20 seconds more, you would have heard the answer," replies Bach.



14:36 Another interesting question from International Skating Union President Ottavio Cinquanta, who raises concerns about the $10 million fund being allocated as prize money, something he believes is against the spirit of the Games. Bokel replies that this will not happen, and hits back at Prince Feisal, arguing eradicating doping is, in a general sense, the "ultimate goal".

14:30 Some interesting questions, particularly by Prince Feisal bin Al Hussein, who questions the claim tackling doping is the "ultimate goal" of the Olympic Movement. Isn't that more the main goal of WADA, he says? Adam Pengilly is up again and refers to the doping allegations "in the news" in recent days, the allegations in Germany about the Russian athletics team, I presume.

Many other IOC Athletes' Commission members also contribute, including New Zealand's Barbara Kendall, Australia's James Tomkins and Tony Estanguet as well as Pengilly. A slight element of what is called in politics of a "patsy question".

Claudia Bokel tells IOC Session to "go a step further" than the United Nations with declaration agst discrimination on sexual orientation.
- Olympic historian Philip Barker tweets about Bokel's presentation. You can read his chronicle on the history of IOC Sessions in Monte Carlo here.

14:18 Meanwhile, Claudia Bokel is outlining proposals about tackling anti doping, predominantly the $10 million fund to tackle doping to be matched by Governments around the world. She also says athletes who are promoted to gold after an initial winner fails a drugs test should be awarded in a proper ceremony, if possible, with an IOC member present.

14:10 Interestingly, we discovered during lunch that FIFA President Sepp Blatter was not here this morning due to being delayed en route to Monte Carlo. He will be here this afternoon, we have been promised, and will count as one of the 96 members present. He will be here in time for the discussion on age limits, I feel...

14:04 The IOC members are back out after lunch and, if they pick up the pace in the afternoon session, they could just wrap up proceedings and pass all 40 recommendations by dinner time. Unlikely but you never know. More likely than anyone actually rejecting a proposal, I feel. 

Up first this afternoon is a IOC Athletes' Commission chair Claudia Bokel, speaking about "Athletes, at the heart of the Olympic Movement". Five proposals here...

14. Strengthen the 6th Fundamental Principle of Olympism
15. Change the philosophy to protecting clean athletes
16. Leverage the IOC USD 20 million fund to protect clean athletes
17. Honour clean athletes
18. Strengthen support to athletes 



Nothing wrong with sheep...the IOC just shouldn't act like them

Just to clarify. There's nothing wrong with sheep. They taste great, make lovely wool sweaters, and know a good thing when they see it - We don't know what was the menu at lunch for the IOC members but Richard Peterkin is partial to a bit of lamb, it seems. The tweet was in response to an earlier one he had posted in which he was worried that the IOC would look like a "bunch of sheep" if they just passed the recommendations without much debate. 

13:51 As the IOC members are finishing their lunch before this afternoon's marathon session starts, International Federations have been digesting what it the Agenda 2020 proposals passed on the composition of the sports programme could mean for them. 

World Squash Federation President N Ramachandran, who was in attendance at the IOC Session, seems particularly optimistic. "I have always said that my task has been to keep pushing at the Olympic Games programme door for squash, he said. "Now that I can see that a little light is coming through at the edges I am delighted of course."

But Ramachandran claimed he was not counting any chickens. "However, we cannot get ahead of ourselves," he said. "We simply remain hopeful that the changes that President Bach and his Executive Board make will take us forward onto the next stage of our dream being realised at the earliest opportunity."

Lunchbreak in Extraordinary IOC Session

13:00 We will break for a spot of lunch now as well, but what do you think the main talking points have been from the first morning of the Olympic Agenda 2020 discussions? Changes to Olympic bidding, or to the sports programme, maybe?

Tweet @insidethegames or comment below. 

A Japanese journalist has just sprinted full-pelt back into the work-room and started typing furiously. I feel "baseball" and "softball" might figure strongly in whatever he files...

12:47 Remarkable. Mario Pescante of Italy's delivers his speech, and no questions are asked. Thomas Bach praises him for being so clear, but I have a funny feeling, the rumblings in the stomachs of many IOC members had something to do with it. 

The two motions are passed at lightening speed and then sure enough, Bach proposes a stop for lunch before they meet again at 14:15 sharp. "I propose a change," Bach says. "To the timetable I mean, we are doing lots of change today..."

I hope the IOC members are able to resist the buffet for a few moments to speak to the masse of journalists waiting for them.

12:42 Many journalists have now disappeared to the mixed zone to catch the members as they file out for lunch, but, no rest for the wicked, the IOC are straight on to the next set of recommendations before then.

Up now is the question of Olympic Games Management, with two proposals put forward:

12. Reduce the cost and reinforce the flexibility of Olympic Games management
13. Maximise synergies with Olympic Movement stakeholders

IOC Agenda 2020 recommendations: Composition of the Olympic programme

12:36 So, looking at possible consequences of these proposals, could mixed events in sports like diving, synchronised swimming, and swimming relays eventually replace some male and female ones?





12:30 Here come the votes. The first on a "framework for the Olympic programme" and the second to "move from a sport-based to an event-based programme", are approved, as is the third on gender equality.

"A major step forward in the modernisation of the Olympic Games," says Bach. "We know how difficult it is to deal with the Olympic programme." 

The relevant Charter changer are also approved.

12:26 "Thank you for those splendid explanations," says Bach as Carroro finally finishes. Hmmm. Bach then provides some clarification from an IOC Executive Board perspective.

"More mixed gender events will motivate NOCs and NFs to have more women competing," he says. "We hope they will realise this and act accordingly." Interesting considering the proposals for mixed events in bobsleigh and aquatic disciplines in recent weeks.

12:18 As Carraro continues to talk, I'm losing count of the number of times he has said "I hope this addresses your question", "I hope I was clear enough when I addressed this" and "I think I have covered this fully". Well, to be honest, on many of them he hasn't covered the questions fully, such as with Adam Pengilly's query on the impact of athletes in particular events, effectively brushed under the carpet. 

One consequence which is clear from these changes is that no International Federations will be able to rest on their laurels and be complacent, because changes could potentially happen to all regarding events on the programme. A big opportunity for lobbyists and consultants, I feel...

If Members were confused before Carraro starting answering, heaven help them now. So simple to explain but fear losing the plot.
- Consultant Michael Payne with some forthright views on the answers being delivered. I have to say I'm in agreement with him, as am struggling to find clear answers to relate. The phrase "waffling" springs to mind...

12:10 Carraro is back speaking again, after being praised by Bach for receiving the most questions so far. I'm not sure how pleased he will be, he has a lot of answering to do now. I don't think we are in contradiction over accreditations, he says in reply to Morariu.

Around 310 events is the aim, he says, but there could be more flexibility as to how those 310 are compiled, i.e. less events but in more sports, we can assume.



12:00 Some really interesting questions now. Irena Szewinska of Poland asks for more information about the possible "exclusion" of some events. Then Adam Pengilly is up again, pointing out that if more events are added, and there are consequently less competitors qualifying in each event to accommodate this, would this not mean many countries miss out on having athletes qualifying, particularly the smaller nations. 

Princess Haya of United Arab Emirates and Lingwei Li of China have each also asked their first questions of the Session, with Ung Chang of North Korea and Mikaela Cojuangco-Jaworski of The Philippines then doing likewise.

11:54 Interesting question by Romania's Octavian Morariu on whether the proposal to cut accreditations conflicts with the earlier recommendations regarding moving events outside the host city. How will they fit together, he asks. Another question on this, and the pressure it will put on small NOCs, from Prince Prince Feisal Al Hussein of Jordan.

Princess Anne asks for clarification on the difference between between "sports", "disciplines" and "events". "I may be being a bit thick here," she says with typical bluntness to start with. A good point though, as it's not completely clear. 

11:45 The main point here is move from a sport-based to an event-based programme, but limits to the number of accreditations for delegations at Olympic Games is mentioned, and this is the subject of the first question, asking for clarification, by none other than Prince Albert. 

A second question, which includes three sub-parts, comes from Switzerland's Denis Oswald. A former IOC Presidential rival of Thomas Bach who is winding down his responsibilities in the sports world, he is one figure you could argue has little to lose from raising grievances. 



11:38 This next section is an interesting one, on the "Procedure for the Composition of the Olympic Programme". I expect we will have a lot of questions from the International Federations. Italy's Franco Carraro is the chair here. 

9. Set a framework for the Olympic programme
10. Move from a sport-based to an event-based programme
11. Foster gender equality

Lots of interesting points being raised. A disappointed intake of breath from my colleague David Owen next to me, as Carraro reiterates how only "snow and ice" sports should feature at the Winter Olympics. He has been championing the cause for moving indoor events from the Summer to the Winter Games for years. 

IOC Agenda 2020 recommendations: Differentiation of the Olympic Games

11:35 Meanwhile, while we have been distracted somewhat, the latest three recommendations have been passed, and the fourth set has already begun. After the lengthy opening, we are flying through now...

"Prince Albert on the floor. Sustainability and Legacy. He has some imminent personal legacy issues. Best wishes to Princess Charlene. Question for the Twittersphere. What happens if Princess Charlene has twin boys? Which one will be the future king?"
- When he's not asking questions, St Lucia's Richard Peterkin comes across as the bored kid at the back of the classroom, taking to social media to list his meandering thoughts...

Prince Albert has said that if it's two boys, the first born will be heir to the throne, Tokyo 2020 consultant Tristan Lavier replied.

11:27 "Ensuring major stars are always present at the Olympic Games is key", replies Ramsamy. "All athletes are equal," he adds, before quoting George Orwell, whose phrase "All are equal but some are more equal than others" definitely does not apply to the Olympic Movement. 

11:23 Quite a short speech by Ramsamy outlining the plans, and them we are onto questions. Richard Peterkin asks his second of the morning, while Britain's Adam Pengilly, who was very vocal during the 125th IOC Session in Buenos Aires, asks his first. 

The proposal regarding to the relationship with professional athletes has been questioned by Pengilly and his IOC Athletes' Commission colleague Kirsty Coventry, with Pengilly warning against an over-professionalisation of the Olympics. Five questions in total on this topic. 

11:18 Without further ado, we are onto the next series of recommendations, on the Differentiation of the Olympic Games. The Group is chaired by South Africa's Sam Ramsamy, who was an IOC Executive Board member until the Session in Sochi earlier this year. Three proposals here:

6. Cooperate closely with other sports event organisers
7. Strengthen relationships with organisations managing sport for people with different abilities
8. Forge relationships with professional leagues

IOC Agenda 2020 recommendations: Sustainability and Legacy



11:11 And both recommendations have been duly passed. If we were going to have objections, which is not looking particularly likely as it stands, it was never going to come in this area, I feel.

11:05 Prince Albert has finished his address. Less headlines in this section, as it is one of those areas which seems relatively obvious, and already trodden ground in a lot of cases. The two recommendations here span:

4. Include sustainability in all aspects of the Olympic Games
5. Include sustainability within the Olympic Movement's daily operations

Two questions nonetheless, with Syed Shahid Ali of Pakistan asking the first one once again. Then Tony Estanguet of France, the slalom canoeing champion who, as we just mentioned, was a member of this very Working Group asks the second, before Thomas Bach adds his approval to the proposals. Both questions expressed broad approval, highlighting particular aspects of importance.

"One well-known consultant observes during the day's first coffee-break that the key question on bidding remains: 'How do you make bidding attractive enough for cities to want to proceed with bids in full knowledge that the majority will eventually lose?."
- Chief Columnist David Owen chat to observers following the first recommendation.

10:59 Next up is Prince Albert to head the second cluster of discussions, on sustainability and legacy. The other members of this Group are Canadian Olympic Committee President Marcel Aubut, Ukraine's IOC Executive Board member Sergey Bubka, France's Tony Estanguet, International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation President Ivo Ferriani, International Ski Federation secretary general Sarah Lewis, New Zealand's Barry Maister, International Swimming Federation Executive Director Cornel Marculescu and Romania's Octavian Morariu

Also included are experts George Hamilton, who retired as VP of Olympic Operations at Dow Chemicals after 37 years earlier this year. and David Stubbs, head of sustainability at London 2012.



10:54 The IOC members are being urged to take their seats and the Session is about to recommence. 

Just to clarify, the first three recommendations, listed below, have all been passed as part of the first cluster. 

1. Shaping the bidding process as an invitation
2. Evaluating bid cities by assessing key opportunities and risks
3. Reducing the cost of bidding

Could this mean sliding sports at Pyeongchang 2018 will move overseas?

"I have often wondered how far off the technology/knowhow is for building a sliding centre "kit" that can be packed back up in dozens of shipping containers and shipped off to another location where it could be rebuilt temporarily. All that would need to be dropped in is the ice! I know they did that with the swimming pool used for the 2007 World Championships in Melbourne - I think a company in Barcelona built it."
- insidethegames reader David Clark has emailed us this comment on yesterday's story.

10:45 Incidentally, and while we are on the subject of Pyeongchang, we have been sent this statement this morning by the two affected International Federations, responding to the reports. 

"The International Luge Federation and the International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation have been provided the 40 Olympic Agenda 2020 recommendations and fully support the IOC's efforts to improve the Olympic Movement.  We are currently awaiting the discussion and vote by the IOC Session.  As it pertains to Recommendation 1 which would allow for the organization of sports and disciplines 'outside the host city or, in exceptional cases, outside the host country notably for reasons of geography and sustainability' the FIL and FIBT consider that it is premature to enter into any form of speculation, but can confirm that to date, it has not been contacted by any Olympic Organising Committee pertaining to this matter."
- A combined statement from the FIL and FIBT on the stories circulating about a possible move. 

IOC Agenda 2020 recommendations: Bidding Procedure

10:39 So the big repercussion of this decision is a possible move of events outside the host city, or outside a host country even, in order to ensure cheaper costs.

This relates to a story we reported on yesterday about sliding events at Pyeongchang 2018 being potentially moved out of South Korea, into Japan, Europe or North America. Unlikely, we feel, but certainly a way to draw attention to the possible changes allowed by the recommendation now passed...

Here is our story yesterday. It would not be the first time events have been held outside host countries. For instance, at Melbourne 1956, due to quarantine laws in Australia, the equestrian competition took place in Stockholm.



10:32 Now they are voting on the first recommendation, and every hand is raised. No abstentions so the changes on Bidding Procedures are accepted. Consequential changes to the Olympic Charter are also accepted, by show of hands and we are now going to a brief break before moving onto the second recommendation.

10:28 John Coates is now going through each question one by one, with lengthy answers. I will return to these in a moment in more detail, but his main point, is that the benefit of cheaper costs and more sustainable Games as a result of moving events away from the host city would outweigh any of the risks.

10:20 The 2022 Olympic race is one reason for the heightened interest in bidding, surely, but interesting many members from Summer sports, or countries not associated with winter sport, have asked questions. 

"The first opportunity to question the proposals brings some interesting interventions. First off the mark is Pakistan IOC member, Syed Shahid Ali, making the point that a move away from prioritising the compactness of the Games would "tremendously increase" the cost of travel. Malaysia's Prince Imran asks a series of questions, including whether John Coates's working group had considered the matter of visits to bidding cities by IOC members.

Denis Oswald, who ran against Bach for the IOC Presidency in 2013, speaks out strongly against "scattering" events among several different areas. "The Olympic Village will cease to resemble what it has looked like so far," Oswald maintains. French IOC member Guy Drut asks whose signature would be needed at the foot of the hosting contract. (Paris, as we know, is contemplating a bid for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.)

A number of members spoke out on behalf of small nations. In particular, Princess Nora of Lichtenstein (a very small nation) expressed her concern that very small nations might not even be able to participate in the Games if they were spread too far and wide.

All told, 11 members asked questions on this very key subject, possibly presaging a livelier debate today and tomorrow than some had anticipated."
- Chief Columnist David Owen analyses the first set of questions. 



10:16 Concerns that not many questions would be asked during the Session are being rubbished so far. They are coming and coming about the Bidding Procedure. International Skating Union President Ottavio Cinquanta gets one of the first laughs of the Session, when he theatrically concludes his question with the word "Finished".

Then comes Princess Nora of Liechtenstein with a question on the burden on small countries having to have extra officials due to the changes. 

10:05 The first question of the 127th IOC Session is asked by Syed Shahid Ali of Pakistan, followed by others from Prince Imran of Malaysia and Denis Oswald of Switzerland. Concerns over the movement of events away from the host city will lose the atmosphere of the Games are raised by Ali and Oswald, with the latter asking about the impact on the Athletes' Village. 

Prince Imran, meanwhile, asks whether host city visits for IOC members were considered. Thomas Bach revealed in October that this was not among the final recommendations. 

10:02 Some really interesting points being raised here by Coates. Point 3: "The IOC to allow, for the Olympic Games, the organisation of preliminary competitions outside
the host city or, in exceptional cases, outside the host country, notably for reasons of
sustainability", is perhaps the most interesting part.

He also reminds us how, "for the rest of the candidature phase until the decision is made on July 31, $1.5 million has been accounted for the 2015 IOC Budget. For the future, the financial impact will depend on the number of candidatures as well as the location of the candidatures..." The IOC will be keen to publicise this as much as possible.

Bidding procedures. Interesting to note that this theme received more contributions (90) than any other. Clearly driven by need for change.
- Interesting point raised by IOC member Richard Peterkin. Many members have predicted the debate could be most intense in this topic as well. We shall see...

09:55 Great to see so many IOC members tweeting away this morning. John Coates is now outlining in detail the proposals, with changing economic and political climates something he cites as a key reason for reforms...

This is my view...
- IOC Athletes' Commission chair Claudia Bokel has a different view from most of the other tweeting IOC members...


09:48 Along with Coates, the other members of this Working Group are Turkey's Hasan Arat, Britain's Sebastian Coe, Morocco IOC v