Robertson rates the likelihood of London bidding for the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) event as more than 50-50, even though he previously warned that certainty over the stadium was needed before September 1. Barclays Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur is taking legal action in an effort to launch a judicial review of the decision to award the Olympic Stadium to rival London club West Ham United after the 2012 Games.

West Ham has pledged to retain a running track around the pitch at the stadium, while Tottenham wanted to remove the track as part of a wider redevelopment of the site. "I have become increasingly confident that we can make a bid - I would say the chances are more than 50-50," Robertson told the Press Association.

"The Government guarantees are done," he added. "There seems to be a desire among those in international athletics to see the championships come to London. I have to be able to look at the IAAF in the eye and give them certainty that we can deliver the stadium. We are working very hard on dealing with the legal issues - the best thing of course would be for Tottenham to withdraw their judicial review bid, and I believe this can be resolved."

Robertson also insisted a bid would not be affected by the recent riots in London. "I don't think it would be affected at all," added Robertson. "The Olympics may be next year but the World Athletics Championships are a long way ahead of this and, although the situation has not been ideal, when you are dealing with people such as the IOC (International Olympic Committee), it is how you deal with what happens that is important."