Sports governance in the spotlight
Beginning in February, global watchdog Transparency International will publish a series of articles under the rubric Corruption and Sport, highlighting the latest research from the world’s top authorities in our efforts to explain what has gone wrong in sport, why it matters and what needs to be done to fix it. This comes in the wake of the corruption scandal at Fifa, football’s governing body, over the awarding of the World Cups to Russia and Qatar and the new reforms on the table this week at the International Olympic Committee. (Transparency International)
China to place permanent anti-graft teams in major departments
The corruption watchdog of China's ruling Communist Party will establish permanent offices in some of the country's most important party and government departments, state media said on Friday, as part of a sweeping campaign against graft. (Thomson Reuters)
Swiss lawmakers approve more financial scrutiny of sports officials
Swiss lawmakers passed a bill on Friday that would subject sports officials — such as the head of soccer's governing body, FIFA, and the International Olympic Committee — to more financial scrutiny by banks in Switzerland. Switzerland is responding to years of corruption allegations with a set of laws that have become known as "Lex FIFA", which aim to tighten oversight of the approximately 60 sporting bodies based here. (Thomson Reuters)
Spain's 'Xnet' corruption fighters expose graft
Xnet, a group of cyber activists in Spain, invites leakers to pass on documents that provide evidence of possible corruption, inspired by the WikiLeaks site. But Xnet has gone further, working not just through activism but also in Spanish politics and in the courts. The organisation is bent on stamping out Spanish corruption that many feel has spiraled out of control. (Associated Press)
Tanzanian attorney general resigns over graft accusations
Tanzania's attorney-general resigned late on Tuesday, becoming the first political casualty in an energy corruption scandal in the east African country that has led Western donors to delay aid and weakened the currency. The resignation followed a vote in parliament late last month calling on the government to dismiss senior officials, including attorney-general Frederick Werema, for their role in an energy deal that lawmakers say was fraudulent. (Thomson Reuters)
China indicts ex-mayor of Nanjing on graft charges
A former mayor of the major eastern Chinese city of Nanjing was indicted Wednesday on corruption charges amid a widening anti-graft crackdown. Ji Jianye faces charges of using his Communist Party and government positions to take massive bribes in return for favors, the state prosecutor's office said in a statement. He's one of the highest-ranking officials to be pulled in by the anti-corruption drive launched after President Xi Jinping was installed as party chief two years ago. (Associated Press)
Alstom nearing $700-million US bribery settlement: source
Alstom SA is close to settling a bribery case with the US Justice Department for $700-million, a person close to the matter said on Tuesday, in what would be the largest criminal fine levied by the US for foreign bribery. A settlement could be announced in the coming weeks, said the person, who declined to be named. An Alstom spokeswoman said the company does not comment on ongoing proceedings. (Reuters US)
