He may have called for the suspension of six members of the International Olympics Committee (IOC) over allegations of secret deals and bribery, but it is now the president's turn to defend his position.

Many feel the Olympics have become tainted under Juan Antonio Samaranch's presidency.

But despite widespread calls for his resignation, Mr Samaranch is standing firm.

"I have never considered resigning as an option, even during these very difficult times for the International Olympic movement," he said.

Should Mr Samaranch now resign to preserve the honour of the games?

Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesman Menzies Campbell, former British athletics team captain and Tokyo games competitor, thinks the scandal has debased the whole Olympic ideal.

"Those who presided over them should go, including Mr Samaranch," he said. "The Olympic Games need a new Charter, a new committee and a fresh commitment to accountability and transparency."

But Mr Samaranch is not without his supporters.

"It would be a disaster for the Olympic movement if Samaranch was to go. Look at the people who would replace him," said one senior IOC official close to the former Spanish ambassador. "He has to stay for the sake of the Olympics."

The 78-year-old Spaniard may well survive the scandal and maintain his leadership until his intended retirement in 2001. He is exempt from the rules governing other members of the IOC - on the grounds that he does not have a vote on the choosing of host cities.

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