French prosecutors investigate Rio, Tokyo bids for 2016, 2020 Olympics

[PARIS] French prosecutors are investigating suspicions of corruption surrounding bidding for this year's Rio Olympics and the 2020 Games in Tokyo, a judicial source told AFP on Tuesday.

The source, who revealed the inquiry began in December, was confirming a report in Britain's Guardian newspaper.

The inquiry is part of the wider investigation into Lamine Diack, former president of the world athletics body the IAAF, and his son Papa Massata Diack.

Diack senior has been charged with corruption, money laundering and conspiracy. He is in France where he has been released on bail.

Paris prosecutors are also seeking Papa Massata Diack, who is the subject of an Interpol international alert on charges of blackmailing athletes.

According to the Guardian, Diack father and son served as intermediaries between the two host cities and some members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

AFP