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Reshuffle at the top after Olympic gaffes
Matthew Beard, Evening Standard03.03.08
A major shake-up has been ordered at the headquarters of the British Olympic movement after damaging gaffes such as the failed attempt to "gag" UK athletes at the Beijing Olympics.
The so-called "kow-tow" scandal led to negative headlines around the world and has prompted British Olympic Association chairman Colin Moynihan to order a reshuffle. Sources say Lord Moynihan, the former Tory sports minister, will increase his role at the organisation, which is one of three key "stakeholders" in the London Olympics.
It is thought long-standing chief executive Simon Clegg will be told by Lord Moynihan to focus on his role as chef de mission to the British team in Beijing, overseeing athlete accommodation, travel arrangements and training facilities.
Other staff will be given responsibility for daily corporate affairs such as dealing with government, sponsors and the media.
A source said: "The last few weeks have been a wake-up call. The BOA have realised that changes must be made in the runup to 2012 and the sooner the better. [Lord Moynihan] will rearrange the London office and take a more hands-on role."
Last week former BOA chairman Sir Craig Reedie said the UK's status in the Olympic movement was being damaged. The "gagging" order was said to have dismayed IOC president Jacques Rogge.
And proposals for UK athletes to train in antipollution masks in China caused disquiet among organisers in Beijing.
Reader views (1)
It would appear that a complete and radical "clear-out" is what is REALLY required.
This present lot appear totally incompetent & unprofessional!
Is it TOO late to hand-over the 2012 Olympics to Paris & France, as that would certainly save us a lot of future embarrassment & grief?
- Fraser, Telford Park
