Montgomery would have faced Dwain Chambers and Maurice Greene

Tim Montgomery will not compete in the Norwich Union Indoor Grand Prix after refusing to participate in a pre-race news conference about his involvement with controversial coach Charlie Francis.

The 100m world record holder split with Francis on Friday following widespread criticism over his involvement with the former coach of Ben Johnson.

That prompted organisers Fast Track to fly meeting director Ian Stewart to Boston to begin negotiations over Montgomery's participation 60m at the meeting on 21 February.

However, talks stalled over the American's unwillingness to speak to a news conference scheduled for Tuesday about his association with Francis.

"A deal was very close on Saturday evening but Tim had a change of heart on Sunday," a spokesman for Fast Track told this website.

"He said he would take part in a news conference but he would only answer questions about his race and the meeting.

"Our advice to him was that because of the size of the story surrounding him and Charlie Francis, that was not practical.

"It's very disappointing - we are trying to bring the best athletes to Birmingham but we were not prepared to sweep such a controversial issue under the carpet."

Montgomery would have faced an enticing showdown with Britain's Dwain Chambers and former 100m world record holder and fellow American Maurice Greene.