LAUSANNE, January 24—Seven cities have emerged as early bidders to host the 2008 Olympics with the February 1st deadline a week away.

The International Olympic Committee have received written applications from
Istanbul, Havana, Osaka (Japan), Paris, Beijing, Seville (Spain) and Toronto, the IOC revealed Monday.

However, IOC president Juan Antonio Samaranch indicated last October that some 13 cities had indicated that they were interested in hosting the Games. In addition to the seven who have already applied, bids are also expected from Buenos Aires, Cairo, Cape Town, Kuala Lumpur and Rio de Janeiro in the coming days.

Lisbon was expected to make a bid however this is know most unlikely after Portuguese Sports Minister Vasco Lynce said the city would not be able to successfully fulfil the criteria.