The Cyprus Sports Organisation (KOA) has rejected allegations of irregularities in the appointment of its new director-general, maintaining that all procedures complied with the applicable legal and regulatory framework.
KOA said it has formally asked the Audit Office to investigate any complaint submitted over the appointment or, in the absence of an official complaint, to review the selection process in its entirety.
KOA defends selection procedure
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Organisation said the process was conducted “in full compliance with the relevant legislation, the approved Scheme of Service and the terms of the vacancy announcement”.
It said the successful candidate was selected by the KOA Board of Directors, which is the legally authorised body responsible for the decision. The appointment was subsequently approved by the Council of Ministers.
Audit Office asked to review appointment
KOA said it had formally approached the Audit Office, requesting that it either examine any complaint already submitted or carry out a comprehensive review of the procedure if no official complaint exists.
All documents and minutes relating to the selection and appointment have been made available to the Audit Office, the Organisation added.
KOA said the assessment of the issues raised now rests exclusively with the competent independent authority.
Questions raised over shortlist and evaluation
An earlier report by Politis outlined allegations concerning the procedure followed to fill the director-general position.
The questions raised included the handling of the list of candidates evaluated by EY, the weight given to the personal interview during the final assessment and the salary scale on which the successful candidate was placed.
The claims remain allegations pending examination by the competent authorities.
Ministry and KOA chairman respond
Minister of Education, Sport and Youth Athena Michaelidou previously told Politis that the appointment had been approved during the latest meeting of the Council of Ministers.
She said no complaint had been submitted to the Ministry, adding that any information received would be investigated in the same way as any other complaint.
KOA Chairman Yiannis Ioannou also told Politis that the Organisation had acted in accordance with the law, the relevant regulations and the terms governing the vacancy.
KOA reiterated on Wednesday that the procedure had been lawful and said it would await the outcome of the Audit Office’s review.
