OSAKA -- The Monaco-based General Association of International Sports Federations opened its general assembly meeting Wednesday in Osaka with IOC officials cautioning the city, which is bidding for the 2008 Olympics, to be prudent when passing out gifts.
Despite previous IOC warnings to Osaka against gift giving, a senior IOC official said exceptions would be made for the GAISF.
"Common sense should be the rule in giving out gifts, which should be consistent with that country's culture," IOC executive member Kevan Gosper said Wednesday evening. He added, however, that he would personally refuse all gifts.
The GAISF is headed by Un Yong Kim, also a senior IOC member. It consists of nearly 90 sports federations and includes 12 IOC members in its ranks.
At a press conference prior to the opening ceremony, Kim, widely viewed as a successor to IOC chief Juan Antonio Samaranch, said he would refuse to testify before the U.S. Congress for his role in the Salt Lake City bribery scandal if asked.
The FBI is also considering questioning Kim about his son, who was arrested for fraud in connection with the Salt Lake City scandal.
The GAISF meeting runs until Saturday. During the gathering, GAISF members are expected to discuss sports and volunteerism, media relations, doping and other topics.
The federation was founded to provide sports federations worldwide a forum for debate and discussion. This year's meeting marks first time the group has held its congress in Japan.