IOC officials say convicted former Samsung chairman Lee reinstated as member following pardon

Sources: IOC reinstates former Samsung boss

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Convicted ex-Samsung chairman Lee Kun-hee has been reinstated as a full member of the International Olympic Committee.

The South Korean businessman’s rights were restored by the IOC executive board Sunday following a recommendation of the ethics commission, several IOC officials said. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because the decision hasn’t been announced officially.

Lee voluntarily gave up his IOC rights after being indicted in 2008 in a financial and tax evasion case. The South Korean government pardoned him last year, clearing the way for his return to the IOC.

Lee’s reinstatement is a boost for South Korea’s latest bid to host the Winter Olympics in 2018.