by Matthew Coumbes

The International Olmpics Committee (IOC) fired Australian Official Phil Coles Wednesday eliciting negative reaction from citizens. Ron Walker, Melbourne's Commonwealth Games Chief, called for the resignation of Coles after rece

nt evidence of free trips to America to discuss the upcoming Olympics taking place in Sydney in 2000.

"I think he owes it to the people of Australia to voluntarily stand down and help the IOC resurrect itself," said Walker.

Coles was said to have traveled to Salt Lake City to discuss plans for the Olympics that will be held in Sydney. According to Salt Lake City Olympics Committee Officials, there were documents proving that Coles accepted five free trips to the U.S. worth $64,000, including a Christmas vacation with his partner and her two chi ldren.

Walker said that the acceptance sends the committee, as well as the Australian people, a negative image. "I think it sends a bad message that someone as senior as Phil Coles can accept $64,000 in trips," he said.

According to Kim Drummond, resident of Sydney, the reason that this issue elicits sensitive feelings is due to the proximity of the event.

"Australia is fairly sensitive about the issue with the Olympics here next year, and the IOC is taking it very seriously," she said.

Coles returned home from a trip to Lausanne, Switzerland yesterday after giving evidence before an IOC committee about allegations brought before him. Coles had denied any wrongdoing and said that he never broke any rules within the IOC.