Morceli may miss Sweden

ATHLETICS

Noureddine Morceli, at odds again with the International Amateur Athletic Federation chief, Primo Nebiolo, is considering missing this summer's World Championships. In an interview with the French sports newspaper, L'Equipe, Morceli said he may stay away from the event in Sweden.

"We'll see. I'm not sure," he said. "With the World Championships every two years, the competition loses its importance. Every four years would be better. The World Championships have become just meets; it's not like the Olympics. But you have to think about your country, and mine is very important to me. If I compete, it will be for my country, not for money."

Two years ago, Morceli threatened to boycott the World Championships in Stuttgart, Germany, because of a lack of prize-money. But he agreed to compete at the last minute after pressure from Nebiolo. Prize-money will now be offered at the World Championships from 1997.

"I'm not waging war against the IAAF, but for the rights of the athletes," Morceli said. "In Stuttgart, many athletes received money under the table."