CWG federation chief slams Shunglu report

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) chief, Michael Fennell, has refuted the allegations levelled against him and his office by the the Shunglu committee. Navneet Singh reports.

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) chief, Michael Fennell, has refuted the allegations levelled against him and his office by the the Shunglu committee.

HT Image

The committee was set up by the Centre to probe alleged irregularities in the conduct of the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

In a statement, Fennell denied reports that CGF CEO Michael Hooper and he had persuaded the Organising Committee to award contracts to EKS (Event Knowledge Services) or any other consultant.

"The CGF had acted and continues to act with utmost integrity, objectivity and accountability in everything it had done in connection with the Delhi Commonwealth Games. Any suggestions of impropriety are unfounded and damaging to the CGF and the individuals against whom they have been directed," Fennell said in the statement.

Fennell was also peeved at the way reports had been made public without any comment or input being sought from CGF or its office-bearer.

"The reports lack fairness. It's a one-sided story. The real substance or values are missing. Many of the opinions expressed in the report relating to the CGF also lack context," said the statement.

Talking to HT from his London office, Hooper also refuted the committee's findings.

"We had no jurisdiction in influencing or awarding contracts in the buildup months leading to the Games," he said. Hooper vehemently denied a report alleging that the CGF had put pressure on the OC to place him (Hooper) in Delhi.

"It was a proposal which was an extension of the advisory support role and was open to rejection," he said.