Lord Condon joins security directorate
Fakir Hassen in Johannesburg
The decision of a member of the International Cricket Council's (ICC's) anti-corruption unit to join the security directorate of the 2003 Cricket World Cup (CWC) has been widely welcomed.
ICC anti-corruption unit director Lord Paul Condon's decision to accept an
invitation to join the security directorate is being seen as a welcome boost
for moves to ensure that the tournament is free of any corruption.
Ali Bacher, executive director of CWC, to be staged in South Africa, said
here Monday that the organisers were "delighted" that Lord Condon had
accepted their invitation.
"I had a very valuable meeting with Lord Condon on Sunday and it was agreed
that he will work closely with our security directorate both prior and
during the tournament to ensure that what the paying public witness on the
field of play is a true reflection of the players' and teams' skills and
expertise," Bacher said.
Lord Condon is on a five-day visit to South Africa, accompanied by senior
investigator Jeff Rees and support manager Bob Smalley. On Tuesday they met
Patrick Ronan, chairperson of the security directorate, and several of his
co-directors.
"The question of ensuring that the spectre of corruption does not pervade
this important sporting event for our country is a key deliverable of our
directorate and Lord Condon's work and the expertise of his team in this
regard is warmly welcomed," Ronan said.
"The World Cup in 2003 has always been a significant target date in our
drive to eradicate corruption from the international game and I stand by
that commitment," Lord Condon said.
"The main purpose of my visit is to cement already established relationships
with the World Cup security directorate and to put into action joint
security and anti-corruption plans," he added.
From Johannesburg, Lord Condon will fly to Cape Town for briefing meetings
with Frank Kahn, Director of Public Prosecutions for the Western Cape
Province, South African Sports Minister Ngconde Balfour and British High
Commissioner Ann Grant.
The high-powered security directorate has been appointed with a budget of 8
million rands to oversee and ensure proper delivery of all logistical
aspects of safety and security for the 54-match tournament.
Its brief is to provide a safe and secure environment for the teams,
referees, umpires, media, VIPs and some 800,000 ticket holders.
Mail Cricket Editor
