Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander...

A member of the committee said there may be money available from the federal budget but it is necessary to ensure state control over their spending. Some 28.27 billion rubles have already been allocated to the committee as part of a federal program for sport development.

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin"s press-secretary Dmitry Peskov said the appointment of the committee"s president has not been discussed in the government.

Putin was initially put forward as a potential candidate for the position but the idea was abandoned after the terrorist attacks on the Moscow metro showed he had more important jobs to do.

The election of the committee"s president is scheduled for May 20, but the deadline for applications is April 19.

The committee"s first vice president Igor Kazikov will serve as acting president until the committee convenes on May 20.

MOSCOW, April 6 (RIA Novosti)