Hickey, who is a candidate to replace Dr Jacques Rogge, the new IOC President, as European Olympic Committee President, is still hopeful that the EU and EOC can enjoy a successful relationship.

But, he warned: "We have had many meetings over the years. There has been much talk, but little action."

"There is one basic component which the EU can well deliver and that is money. Money is the life-blood for sports. Unfortunately, the EU is like a gold-mine surrounded by a huge thick forest, with advisers at the forest perimeter directing people to impenetrable, impassable highways to the mine."

"It is clear to me that the EOC and the other interested bodies are going to have a major problem in inducing the EU to play a more responsible, dynamic part in promoting sport among the 15 (EU member countries) apart altogether from the other 33 countries in Europe outside the EU," he continued.

"The EU also seems to have major problems in implementing their sports laws. They introduce legislation and when they do not work or create problems and conflict, submit them to the European Court of Justice, which strives to arrive at compromises or dilute the intended effectiveness of law."

"We in the IOC must keep chipping away at the EU to try to get an Article on Sport introduced. By adopting this policy, and with the support of Jacques Rogge, the future looks bright for us to succeed."