Lausanne (pps) Before the expiry of the deadline on July 28, 2005, a total of seven National Olympic Committees (NOC) have applied to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to host the 2014 Olympic Winter Games. The 2014 Olympic city will be chosen at the IOC session in Guatemala at the beginning of July 2007. The candidates must have submitted the IOC questionnaire by February 1, 2006. The IOC Executive Board will then make a preselection by June 2006.

The IOC has confirmed the bids of Almaty (Kasachstan), Pyoengchang (South Korea), Salzburg (Austria), Jaca (Spain), Sofia (Bulgaria), Sotschi (Russia) and Borjomi (Georgia).