SYDNEY (AP) — The Australian Olympic Committee has urged the Australian Weightlifting Federation to set up an independent body to investigatge claims that one of its athletes demanded $5,000 to compete at an Olympic qualifying event.

AWF chief Michael Keelan has accused Daniel Koum of demanding the money 40 minutes before he was to compete at the Oceania Championships in Samoa, knowing Australia's chance of having a competitor at the London Games would be wrecked if he withdrew.

The AOC said in a statement on Friday that it has received correspondence from Koum's lawyers denying any wrongdoing, and has urged the AWF provide the Cameroon-born Koum an opportunity to respond to the allegations.

In a statement, the AOC said it "encourages the continued independent consideration of this matter."