The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has called a halt to the experiment of relaying the Olympic torch around the world.
The torch was first taken on a world tour before the 2004 Olympics in Athens, and similar happened before the 2008 Games in Beijing.
Political protests disrupted the latter torch relay, however, and the IOC have opted to place restrictions on future relays, which will only be conducted within the host countries. This means it will be held in Britain alone in 2012 ahead of the London Games.
IOC executive director Gilbert Felli said: “After the relay in Athens, which was the first international relay, we came to the conclusion it was easier for the torch to stay inside the (host) country.
“There were difficulties with the NOCs [National Olympic Committees], and we also saw the risk with a torch relay going around the world.
“Beijing had planned an international torch relay and we accepted it. We saw in the debrief that the risk was there and the IOC decided not to do it," Mr Felli said.
“I think when the torch relay is inside the host country there is more control.”
PA