A state archaeological committee has turned down a request to host an international athletics competition at Ancient Olympia because of fears that it will cause irreparable damage to the historic site.

The Culture Ministry’s Central Archaeological Council said that Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, does not have the right infrastructure to host an athletics meet with 15,000 spectators.

The council also pointed out that the event would render the area off-limits to visitors at a time when tourist traffic is heavy.

The Sports Secretariat, which belongs to the Culture Ministry, had recently submitted a plan to host an annual track event in May after the shot put was successfully staged there during the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.

If the international event is held in a stadium close by, such as in Pirgos, then Ancient Olympia can host a medals ceremony with no more than 3,000 spectators, the committee said.