Saudi Arabia could still send female athletes to the London Olympic Games, according to International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge.
The Saudis are one of only three counties never to send females athletes to an Olympics but Qatar and Brunei plan to do so in London.
Rogge is hopeful Saudi Arabia will join them and spoke of ongoing discussions when he addressed a press conference at the end of a two-day executive board meeting in Quebec.
"We are continuing to discuss with them, and the athletes are trying (to qualify)," he said.
"We would hope they will qualify in due time for the games."
Rogge added: "It's not an easy situation. There is a commitment. We're working steadily with them to find a good solution."
He ruled out the suggestion of Saudi female athletes taking part under an Olympic flag.
"There is absolutely no need to consider the possibility of the participation of Saudi women under the IOC flag."
