Tag Archives: confidential

UCI hope to set up doping hotline

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UCI looking to set up confidential hotline for riders to blow whistle on doping

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UPDATED:

13:51 GMT, 14 November 2012

International Cycling Union president Pat McQuaid has revealed in an open letter to all riders that the sport's governing body are hoping to set up a confidential hotline to tackle doping.

Lance Armstrong was stripped of all seven of his Tour de France titles last month after the United States Anti-Doping Agency uncovered what they described as the most sophisticated doping programme the sport has ever seen.

With cycling's reputation once again at rock-bottom, McQuaid is urging riders to come forward if they have any suspicions about doping within the sport.

Disgraced: Lance Armstrong

Disgraced: Lance Armstrong

'At the end of the day, it is you the riders who have the ultimate say about whether our sport is clean,' McQuaid wrote.

'Naturally, we need to do more to ensure that the UCI is as accessible as possible, and in particular to you the riders, should you wish to discuss issues or concerns relating to doping,' he added.

'That is why, during the coming weeks… the UCI will be looking into establishing a new open line – a confidential hotline.'

Meanwhile, Team Sky have appointed Australian Shaun Stephens as performance coach for the 2013 season.

New recruit: Stephens joins Bradley Wiggins (right) and Shane Sutton (left) at Team Sky

New recruit: Stephens joins Bradley Wiggins (right) and Shane Sutton (left) at Team Sky

Stephens, 37, is regarded as one of the world's best triathlon coaches and recently worked as head coach to the Australian national team at London 2012.

He will leave his current roles as head coach and programme manager at the Australian Institute of Sport and Triathlon Australia to work alongside Team Sky's head of performance Tim Kerrison in a full-time capacity.

Stephens said: 'I'm very excited about the opportunity to work as part of the Team Sky programme.

'I have watched their outstanding performances with interest over the last three years and have been impressed by how they have assembled their team and introduced innovative performance strategies to cycling.'

RFU apologise to Martyn Thomas over report allegations

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RFU apologise to former chairman Thomas over report allegations

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UPDATED:

19:03 GMT, 3 September 2012

The Rugby Football Union have issued an apology to former chairman and acting chief executive Martyn Thomas and withdrawn allegations that were published in a report into the firing of John Steele.

An investigation into Steele's exit as chief executive in 2011, led by the union's disciplinary officer Judge Jeff Blackett, criticised Thomas' conduct.

Thomas was accused in the 53-page report of having 'inappropriate contact' with one of the candidates for the role of RFU performance director and of leaking information to the press.

Apology: Thomas' conducted was criticised by the RFU

Apology: Thomas' conducted was criticised by the RFU

But a subsequent independent report compiled in November last year by Charles Flint QC concluded there was 'no solid evidence' to support misconduct charges against Thomas.

The RFU have issued a public apology to Thomas and retracted two specific allegations contained within the Blackett report.

A statement from the union read: 'Following the departure of John Steele on June 9, 2011, the RFU council set up a review to examine the events that led to his departure and further to consider how and why confidential information was leaked to the media and to see what lessons could be learned.

'The report made a number of conclusions. Amongst these it concluded that Martyn Thomas, the then chairman and acting chief executive:

'(i) had inadvertently, but improperly and repeatedly passed confidential information in relation to the RFU either directly or indirectly through third parties to members of the media;

'(ii) had inappropriate contact with one of the candidates for the role of RFU Performance Director and breached confidentiality between prospective job applicants.

'The RFU now accepts that there was insufficient evidence to support these conclusions. Consequently, the RFU believes it right that these conclusions be withdrawn.

'The RFU therefore apologises to Martyn Thomas.'

Twickenham

The Blackett report was eventually sent to member clubs in September last year after Thomas had initially succeeded in blocking its publication by threatening to sue for defamation during an RFU council meeting.

That threat remained live once Thomas had been cleared by the Flint report. The RFU council members were told by email in May that Thomas may issue a defamation writ.

It is understood that, on taking office in February, the RFU's chief executive Ian Ritchie was determined to broker a solution to ensure the situation never reached the courts.

Chairman: Bill Beaumont

Chairman: Bill Beaumont

The RFU's apology will shine the spotlight back on Blackett, who was engaged by the council to look into the fractious circumstances surrounding Steele's departure.

Blackett chaired a five-man panel that included RFU council members Geraint Ashton Jones and Malcolm Wharton, plus independents Andy Reed and Vick Luck.

The report recommended that Thomas and the whole RFU board, apart from co-opted member Bill Beaumont, should all resign.

The panel reached their conclusions
based on evidence, compiled by interview, written submission or both,
from 65 witnesses on a confidential basis.

Blackett had indicated to the RFU council that he had enough to bring disciplinary charges against Thomas.

But Flint was unable to review all the
evidence because 19 of those witnesses, including five directors,
refused to allow their evidence to be disclosed.

Thomas left the RFU at the end of
November last year after being cleared by the Flint report and he called
for Blackett, Ashton and Wharton to resign.

Blackett retains support among RFU council members, who in April rejected a board proposal that Blackett should lose his position as part of a structural overhaul.

Blackett will remain in charge of the union's judicial system until next year's AGM.

Euro 2012: Markus Babbel blasts Germany mole

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That's a Low blow! Babbel blasts German mole for leaking manager's secrets

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UPDATED:

09:02 GMT, 25 June 2012

Hoffenheim coach Markus Babbel believes Joachim Low has been betrayed by a mole in the Germany camp who keeps revealing the team selection hours before the games are due to take place.

Low's starting XI became public knowledge over six hours before their Euro 2012 quarter-final clash with Greece on Friday, infuriating the coach and members of the team.

Babbel told Sport1 that the leaks are 'frustrating, unnecessary and stupid'.

Mystery: Germany boss Joachim Low does not know who leaked his team news

Mystery: Germany boss Joachim Low does not know who leaked his team news

Euro 2012 email button

Low believes that one of the players' friends or agents is passing on the confidential information and he has already told them to be more careful with who they talk to ahead of Thursday's semi-final clash with Italy.

Babbel hopes that the mole will also have a conscience and realise that what they are doing is jeopardising Germany's chances of glory in Poland and Ukraine.

'We all have the goal of becoming European champions,' he said. 'If there is somebody there spreading things like this, then he is not doing German football any favours.

'At the end of the day, we all suffer because of it.'

Captain fantastic: Philipp Lahm (No 16) has led Germany by example at Euro 2012

Captain fantastic: Philipp Lahm (No 16) has led Germany by example at Euro 2012

Germany captain Philipp Lahm said what is discussed in the team meeting at lunchtime before the game 'should remain within the four walls'.

At a press conference in Gdansk, he added: 'It is a shame when things leak out. The whole nation wants us to go far and it is not an advantage when the team is revealed hours before the game.

'Whoever is revealing this has not understood what sport is. It's definitely a shame.'

Low made four changes to his side for the quarter-final clash, saying he wanted his side to be more 'unpredictable'.

Further alterations can be expected against Italy in Warsaw on Thursday.

Police called in after SFA panel receive threats over Rangers ban

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Naming shame: Police called in after SFA panel receive threats over Rangers ban

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UPDATED:

23:03 GMT, 25 April 2012

Poilce have been called into Hampden to deal with threats issued against the men responsible for hitting Rangers with a one-year transfer ban.

And the entire judicial panel system has been thrown into turmoil after one of the volunteers 'outed' by internet thugs was pushed to the brink of resignation by the ugly backlash.

Following a rash public demand by Rangers manager Ally McCoist that the SFA name the individuals who sat in judgment on the insolvent Ibrox club, the identities of all three were published on message boards and via social network sites.

Rash demand: Rangers manager Ally McCoist called for the panel to be named

Rash demand: Rangers manager Ally McCoist called for the panel to be named

All three panel members, as well as directors of the SFA, have now reported receiving abusive and threatening communications – threats considered serious enough to merit action by Strathclyde Police.

An SFA spokesperson, pointing the finger firmly at whoever leaked the identities of the independent judges, said: 'We are deeply concerned that the safety and security of Judicial Panel members appointed to a recent Tribunal has been compromised by a wholly irresponsible betrayal of confidential information.

'The Judicial Panel consists of volunteers from across the spectrum of sport and business in Scotland. They are appointed on the basis of anonymity, yet all three panel members have reported intrusion into their lives, including abusive and threatening communication.

'This has been extended to directors of the Scottish FA. It culminated tonight in a visit by police, who are taking seriously the threats made.'

Sportsmail knows the names of the three independent adjudicators, appointed from a list of around 100, who have made themselves available to hear cases at Hampden.

But we will not be identifying them – for the same obvious reason that McCoist, who could easily have used private channels to get the information from one of the Rangers representatives present at the Hampden hearing, should not have demanded that they lose their anonymity.

It is understood that one of the three is considering his position and has revealed he has received advice from Special Branch regarding suspect packages.

Targeted: Officers were summoned to Hampden after identities were exposed

Targeted: Officers were summoned to Hampden after identities were exposed

The individual also released a statement saying: 'I can't discuss anything about the case for reasons of confidentiality.

'I hope that, when the statement of reasons is published by the SFA, responsible people will understand the reasons for the decision.

'I have no axe to grind with any football club.'

Former Rangers owner Sir David Murray's company has been ordered, meanwhile, to hand over all paperwork relating to the takeover by Craig Whyte.

Administrators Duff & Phelps are suing legal firm Collyer Bristow for 25million over their handling of the buy-out and the Court of Session has been told Murray will provide all e-mails, faxes, file notes concerning the deal.

RFU should reveal who leaked confidential England World Cup review, says Damian Hopley

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RFU should unmask mole who leaked confidential England World Cup review, says Hopley

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UPDATED:

16:35 GMT, 19 April 2012

The Rugby Football Union should publish their report into who leaked the confidential reviews into England's failed World Cup campaign, the chief executive of the players' union demanded today.

Damian Hopley is frustrated that 'no-one has been brought to book' over the damaging leaks and he called on the RFU's new chief executive, Ian Ritchie, to ensure the issue is not swept under the carpet.

Monitor Quest, the strategic intelligence company, were brought in by Twickenham officials to conduct the investigation after reports compiled by the Rugby Players' Association, the RFU and the Premiership clubs were published by The Times newspaper.

Leak: Contents of a confidential report were revealed to the press

Leak: Contents of a confidential report were revealed to the press

The damning reports laid bare the reasons behind England's 'doomed' World Cup campaign, with some of national team's senior players accused of being more motivated by money than success.

The RPA report, described by Hopley as 'a powderkeg', contained player feedback stating Martin Johnson's management team were out of their depth and painting the picture of a disunited squad, riven by a lack of trust and competing agendas.

According to Hopley, 24 of the 25 individuals who had access to the reports have been interviewed by Monitor Quest but one person has refused to co-operate.

Hopley believes the identity of that individual is contained within the final report.

The RFU have so far refused to publish the Monitor Quest findings and they have also refused to share with the RPA an internal report compiled by the union's disciplinary chief, Judge Jeff Blackett.

The RPA are investigating whether they can make a freedom of information request for release of the final Monitor Quest report.

Hopley will deliver his appeal directly to the RFU tomorrow when he addresses a scheduled council meeting at Twickenham.

Flops: England's World Cup campaign started badly and got progressively worse

Flops: England's World Cup campaign started badly and got progressively worse

Flops: England's World Cup campaign started badly and got progressively worse

Flops: England's World Cup campaign started badly and got progressively worse

'I described it at the time and I still maintain it was the darkest day for the organisation (RPA) and for English rugby, to see confidential information leaked over the press,' Hopley said.

'There is a responsibility for the game to actually understand what went on and for the facts to come out.

'The Monitor Quest report has not been made public, we believe it should be made public.

'There were 25 people who had access to the report via the 12 people on the Professional Game Board and their secretaries. One person has not been interviewed.

'We would like that person to come forward and be interviewed. That (the person's identity) is within the report and we think if the report was made public it would go a long way to resolving that problem.

'We would also like full acknowledgement that everyone who co-operated fully and had no evidence found against them should also have their names made public.

'We do not point the finger at the new executive (of the RFU) because we know they weren't involved, we just feel there should be some leadership here. We feel let down by the process.

All change: Moody and Johnson have both left their posts since the event in New Zealand last year

All change: Moody and Johnson have both left their posts since the event in New Zealand last year

All change: Moody and Johnson have both left their posts since the event in New Zealand last year

'Our frustration is the lack of accountability. There has to be accountability.

'We have to be accountable to every one of our 624 members. If we do something wrong I know full well I will be marched out of the office tomorrow.

'We are looking for a final outcome of this. Whether that means nothing will be done but the report will be published is a step forward from our point of view.

'But just to let it fade into the background is not acceptable.'

Hopley suspects the RFU will not publish the Monitor Quest report because of potential 'legal ramifications'.

The RFU told him Blackett's report was for their board's eyes only.

'We think that is a backwards step,' Hopley said. I can't stress enough how good our industrial relations are with the clubs and the RFU. I think it is the envy of other sports.

'We would like to have seen the disciplinary officer's report to see if it differed from Monitor Quest and what conclusions were drawn from it.'

Failure: England are building to the next tournament on home soil in 2015

Failure: England are building to the next tournament on home soil in 2015

Chief among Hopley's concerns is the long-term damage that has been done to the RPA's relationship with the players, who provided the feedback anonymously.

The RPA had conducted one-on-one interviews with the majority of the England squad to allay fears their feedback would be seen directly by the coaching staff.

'We as an organisation hold integrity as one of our absolute values and the trust of our players is paramount,' Hopley said.

'We wanted every stone to be turned over two or three times and the concern for us going forward is how can we ask our players to co-operate in confidential reviews if this is how they end up.

'We felt the trust of the players was damaged considerably.'

Tony Pulis dodges driving ban

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Pulis dodges driving ban after arguing 'chauffeur could leak Stoke secrets'

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UPDATED:

12:47 GMT, 22 March 2012

Stoke boss Tony Pulis has dodged a driving ban despite being caught by police doing 96mph on a Warwickshire motorway.

Pulis convinced magistrates that handing him a ban would cause hardship to him and the people of Stoke-on-Trent.

The 54-year-old Welshman had reached 15 penalty points with the offence but said he could not use a chauffeur as that could lead to leaks of confidential phone calls concerning the club made while on the road.

In hot water: Stoke manager Tony Pulis was caught speeding on the M42

In hot water: Stoke manager Tony Pulis was caught speeding on the M42

Pulis argued that leaks of conversations with chairman Peter Coates could even lead to the club being relegated from the Premier League, which would put local businesses at risk.

His lawyer, Mike Stephenson, told the court: 'There are numerous phone calls every day between Mr Pulis and the chairman which are totally confidential between them.

'That has contributed to the success of the football club.

'As a result of being in the Premiership it has put Stoke-on-Trent on the map.

'It has led to numerous businesses being set up. A number of them are totally reliant on Stoke City, and those businesses would suffer if they were relegated.'

Pulis had pleaded guilty through his lawyer in his absence at a hearing in Leamington last month to a charge of speeding on the M42 in north Warwickshire.

The offence occurred on November 6 last year, when Pulis was driving in a BMW 530DM back to his home in Poole having seen his side thrashed 5-0 at Bolton. There was a variable speed limit of 60mph on the section of the M42 in north Warwickshire at the time.

Stoke on the map: Relegation would threaten local businesses, Pulis argued

Stoke on the map: Relegation would threaten local businesses, Pulis argued

Pulis, who already had nine points on his licence, was handed six penalty points for the offence taking him three above the 12-point totting up limit.

But the presiding magistrate accepted a ban would cause unnecessary hardship because of 'the unusual nature of the business and the necessity of confidentiality.'

Pulis was fined 2,500 and ordered to pay 85 costs and a 15 victim surcharge, and given seven days to pay in full.