CGF boss Hooper washes hands of broadcast deal

Mike Hooper, CEO of the Commonwealth Games Federation, on Thursday spoke out against the Comptroller and Auditor General’s interim report which was brought to his notice. HT reports.

Mike Hooper, CEO of the Commonwealth Games Federation (GGF), on Thursday spoke out against the Comptroller and Auditor General’s (CAG) interim report which was brought to his notice.

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The report states that the appointment of Fast Track Sales Limited as consultant for the broadcasting rights for the Commonwealth Games was made solely on the recommendation of the CGF and Suresh Kalmadi, the Chairman of the Delhi Organising Committee.

Hooper said, "Although the CGF supported the appointment of Fast Track, it strongly refutes any claims that it interfered in the selection process. Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and tendering processes are handled entirely by the OC, and neither I, nor the CFG has any role or say in this process."

Hooper said it was the job of the CGF to help in the organisation of successful Games, and in that role it makes several recommendations for outsourcing of tasks.

"The CGF stands by its recommendation relating to Fast Track, and would have no hesitation in recommending the company to others in the future."

Fast Track has a proven record in the field, having played a similar role for the Melbourne 2006 Games, which the Melbourne OC has termed as ‘outstandingly successful’.

Secretary general of the OC, Lalit Bhanot, also stood by the appointment.

"There is nothing wrong with our relationship, or our dealings with Fast Track," he said.

"We had set them a target of raising $30 million (Rs 146 crore), but $46.5 million (Rs 217.5 crore) have been raised. So where is the problem? Raising these non-issues is completely wrong"

He also added that where there was non-performance, as in the case of SMAM, contracts have been terminated.

OC Treasurer A.K. Mattoo, voiced similar concerns. "When we have failed to raise money, it has been made into an issue, but now that he have met, and exceeded all our targets, even that is being made an issue. For us, it is a no-win situation."