Users in Iran who attempt to connect to www.london2012.com are being redirected to www.peyvandha.ir (pictured below), a website offering stories from Iran's official news agencies.

A London 2012 spokesman told insidethegames the organisation would not be commenting on the issue, believing it to be an internal matter for Iran to deal with, while Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not replied to any requests for a comment.

The controversy comes after Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, recently ordered officials to set up a new body to co-ordinate decisions regarding the internet.

Citizens of the country have been told they would need to show identification and give their full name when visiting an internet cafe.


Iran President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has even discussed plans to create a "clean web" within Iran, employing its own search engine and messaging service.

Last year Iran signalled that it may boycott London 2012 over claims that the Games' official logo spells "Zion" – a Hebrew word used to refer to Israel or Jerusalem and which is considered racist.

In February 2011, Iranian authorities complained to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and called for the graphic to be replaced.

However, they later sent a follow-up letter that confirmed the country's athletes would still participate in London.

At the time, IOC President Jacques Rogge suggested that the attack on the logo "can't be serious".

He added: "We will quietly reply, telling [Iran] the logo has nothing to do with racism or any political connotation."

The complaint was also dismissed by British Prime Minister David Cameron, who insisted the Iranians would not be missed if they did not attend this summer's Games.

"It's completely paranoid," Cameron stormed.

"If the Iranians don't want to come, don't come – we won't miss you.

"It would be a crazy reason for not coming."

Iranian weightlifting superheavyweight Behdad Salimikordasiab is expected to be among those taking part at London 2012.

He previously won gold at the Asian Games in 2010, despite being affected by swine flu, and is expected to be a medal contender again at the Olympics.

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March 2011: Iran to protest over Cameron remarks but will compete at London 2012
February 2011: London 2012 logo is "racist" claims Iran and threatens boycott if not changed