Officials familiar with decision say convicted former Samsung chairman Lee reinstated in IOC

AP sources: IOC reinstates former Samsung boss

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Several IOC officials familiar with the decision say 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. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press because the decision hasn’t been announced.

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

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