Nine banned from Games

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has written to the Nine Network, banning it from Olympic events in and around the main stadium.

The one-week ban relates to an incident on Monday involving news reporters who shot pictures inside the National Aquatics Stadium in Beijing.

As a non-rights holder, the network is limited to access it can gain through its accreditation.

Channel Nine reporter Damian Ryan and a cameraman appeared to breach the broadcasting rules when attempting to interview Australian swimmer Stephanie Rice.

The fact the footage did not go to air was taken into consideration by the IOC.

The letter, addressed to Nine's Olympic Director Gary Fenton, said it was a serious breach of the IOC news access rules.

"A similar breach incident was also committed by a Nine Network cameraman upon the occasion of the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, the IOC's position is that a sanction should now be imposed," it read.

"The IOC therefore hereby informs you that the Nine Network [television] crew will not be issued Olympic Green Common Domain (OCD) filming passes and will not be permitted to enter the OCD with equipment."

The OCD encompasses the Olympic Stadium, National Aquatic Centre and is the place where most events will be held.

With the Opening Ceremony on Friday and Australians competing in swimming events this weekend, the ban could not have come at a worse time.

The sanction is effective immediately and will end at midnight on August 13.

Nine Network publicity was not available for comment when contacted by Yahoo!7 News.