Nortel has been stripped of Official Network Infrastructure Partner status for the London 2012 Olympics, due to fears that its impending break-up will prevent it from delivering a full service.

Rubbing salt in the wound, the infrastructure contract has now been awarded to arch-rival Cisco.

The Olympics’ organising committee – LOCOG – stressed that the split was “amicable”.

London 2012 chief executive Paul Deighton said: “We part with Nortel on good terms. Nortel acknowledges our fixed deadlines and our desire to have a single supplier for our entire network infrastructure has been impacted by Nortel’s decision to move towards standalone businesses.

“This is in no way a reflection of their capabilities – this is all about meeting our fixed deadlines.”

After being invited to bid for the contract, Cisco has now been unveiled as the replacement, becoming one of just four Tier Two suppliers alongside EDF Adecco, Cadbury and Deloitte.

Phil Smith, chief executive of Cisco UK and Ireland, said: “We are delighted to be working with LOCOG to provide the network infrastructure for London 2012.”