New York handed Olympic lifeline

Going for gold Guide to Olympic rivals

New York Olympic bid leaders may take advantage of an IOC ruling which allows them to submit modified plans in the event of "exceptional" circumstances.

The city debated whether to pull out of the race to host the 2012 Games when state government refused to fund its key stadium near Madison Square Garden.

But it has been handed a lifeline and could ask the IOC's Executive Board to consider changes ahead of July's vote.

It is not yet clear whether the bid team intends to make any alterations.

But IOC communications director Giselle Davies clarified the situation in a letter to bid leader Dan Doctoroff.

"As we now understand the situation, New York is not able to provide guarantees (for a stadium).

"In such an exceptional circumstance as this, a bid city has the right to address the issue in front of the executive board."

New York mayor Michael Bloomberg admitted the rejection of the stadium had seriously damaged chances and said the city had "let America down".

"The [US Olympic Committee] selected us, New York, to represent the country. Other American cities wanted to have the privilege of competing at the world level," he added.

If New York does not go forward for the final vote against London, Paris, Moscow and Madrid in Singapore in July, it could damage US hopes of hosting future Games.