Iranian Olympics boycott threat due to “racist” logo
The controversial London 2012 Olympics logo has drawn more fire, this time from Iran’s national Olympic committee, which claims it is “racist” and spells out the word “Zion”.
The committee is threatening to boycott the London Olympics unless the logo is withdrawn and claims that it is a symbol for Israel, a perceived enemy of the country.
The Iranians have written to the International Olympic Committee and it is reported that the letter states “Unfortunately, we all are witnessing that the upcoming Olympics … faces a serious challenge, definitely spawned out of some people’s racist spirit.
“The use of the word Zion by the designer of Olympics logo …. in the emblem of the Olympic Games 2012 is a very revolting act.”
The IOC has stated:”The London 2012 logo represents the figure 2012, nothing else.”
The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games says that it plans no chnage to the logo and adds:”The London 2012 logo represents the year 2012, nothing else. It was launched in 2007 following testing and consultation, we are surprised that this complaint has been made now.”
The logo, designed by Wolff Olins, was unveiled in 2007 and was heavily criticised by branding and design experts.
