IOC warns India of a possible ban

The International Olympic Committee on Thursday warned India of a possible ban from the Olympics unless it resolves the spat over the country's sports chiefs.

After a two-day meeting in Lusanne, the IOC executive board said India will have take care of a number of issues.

"Consequently if the situation does not evolve positively, the IOC executive board will consider taking appropriate measures and actions which might seriously affect the representation and participation of India at the Olympic Games and international sports events coming up," the IOC said in a statement.

The international Olympic body insisted that the Indian government had agreed at a meeting in Lausanne last year to adopt a jointly drafted constitution while it will respect the autonomy of the Indian Olympic Association and the national federations affiliated under it.

IOC's threat came after the India government last year decided to limit the tenure and age of the country's top sports officials.

If the Indian government refuses to move from its stance, the IOC has the power to impose sanctions including suspending the country from its membership -- a move that would prevent it taking part in the 2012 London Olympics.