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Councils want compensation for Dakar Rally cancellation
• 17 Jan 2008 •
 AS a result of the Lisbon-Dakar Rally being cancelled because of security issues and terrorist threats, town councils are now asking for compensation. Reportedly several political figures have criticised the organiser’s decision.
The President of Portimão Council, Manuel da Luz, has said he will ask the Amaury Sports Organisation (ASO) for the 1.5 million euros they had invested in the Dakar Rally to be returned. He also described the situation as strange because it had to do with the death of French tourists around a week before the cancellation. He added that he hoped it was not a question of politics between the French and Mauritanian governments.
The President of Benavente Council (near Lisbon), António Ganhão, said that he, too, will be seeking compensation for the 30,000 euros they have put in to setting up meeting points, musical entertainment, transport, toilet facilities and a giant marquee, although he stressed that he understood the possible risks participants might have had to face and the decision to cancel the event. According to Portuguese rally driver, Carlos Sousa, competitors were very disappointed about the cancellation and criticised the ASO for not consulting the drivers or exploring all other possible alternatives first. He added that the rally should have gone at least as far as Morocco.
Vice-President of the PSD political party, Pedro Pinto, confirmed that he supported the organiser’s decision and stressed that the lives of thousands of people could not under any circumstances be put at risk. |  Return to Top
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