London 2012 Olympics Logo Inspires Racist Charges, and Counterfeiters

The head of Iran's national Olympic committee has complained to the International Olympic Committee that the jagged logo for the London 2012 Olympic games is racist because it spells the word "Zion." (Maybe if you twist your head on the 'N' — but even then it would read "Loin," no?)

"Unfortunately, we all are witnessing that the upcoming Olympics ... faces a serious challenge, definitely spawned out of some people's racist spirit," Mohammad  Aliabadi stated in a letter to IOC president Jacques Rogge that was obtained by AFP. "The use of the word Zion by the designer of Olympics logo ....in the emblem of the Olympics Games 2012 is a very revolting act," he added, warning that if Rogge did not act the logo would "affect the participation of several countries, especially like Iran which insists on following principles and values."

Why this complaint is emerging now, when the logo was revealed in 2007, wasn't forthcoming. Separately, London 2012 organizers raided a shop in London's Oxford high street that was carrying some 6,500 counterfeit items branded with the controversial logo.