British Olympians must sign contracts

LONDON, Feb. 10 (UPI) -- British athletes competing in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing reportedly must sign contracts gagging them from commenting on touchy political matters.

Graham Nathan, spokesman for the British Olympics Association, told CNN that "British athletes will have to sign a contract promising not to comment on any politically sensitive issues."

He added the move is required by an International Olympic Committee charter restricting demonstrations of political propaganda at Olympic Games.

Athletes who do not sign the contract will not be allowed permitted to compete, said the Daily Mail.