IOC Finance Director Quits; IOC Welcomes CAS Ruling; Skating, Curling World Champs

IOC Finance Director Quits

Caroline Kuyper quit as IOC Finance Director on Friday.

IOC Director General Christophe de Kepper made the announcement to IOC staff in an email. He will serve as interim head of the Finance Department.

There was no reason given from the IOC for Kuyper's departure nine months after starting work. Kuyper joined the IOC in July 2012, coming from a background in corporate finance.

Around the Rings understands a new Finance Director is unlikely to be hired until a new IOC president is elected later this year.

IOC Reaction to CAS Case

The IOC says it "welcomes" the Court of Arbitration for Sport decision upholding its disqualification of Mu Yen Chu from the Athletes' Commission race.

Chu was removed from the race for violating IOC rules against campaigning.

"The IOC welcomes the CAS decision but has no further comment at this time as there is another similar case pending," a spokesperson said in response to Friday’s decision. Koji Murofushi of Japan has his appeal over the same allegations scheduled for April 10 and 11.

Women’s Curling World Champs

Competition begins Saturday at the World Women’s Curling Championship in Riga, Latvia.

Switzerland are the defending champs, but will face challenges from Canada, China, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Russia, Japan, Scotland, Sweden and USA.

Preliminary matches run through Thursday.

According to the quirky Page playoff system, the top two finishers then face off Friday night with the winner going straight to the gold medal game. The loser, however, then plays the winner of Saturday afternoon’s 3 versus 4 matchup with the other spot in Sunday’s final at stake.

Figure Skating World Champs

Korea’s Yuna Kim takes the lead in the ladies short program at the 2013 ISU World Figure Skating Championships.

Reigning men’s champ Patrick Chan of Canada is also halfway to gold on home ice in London, Ontario.

The men’s free skate follows Friday evening and the ladies Saturday night.

In pairs skating, Tatiana Volosozhar and Maxim Trankov of Russia are top-ranked heading into Friday’s free skate.

For ice dancing, Meryl Davis and Charlie White of the U.S. are leading with reigning champs as well as home favorites Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir close behind going into Saturday afternoon’s finale.

Sunday in London is reserved for exhibitions.

Istanbul Touts Fashion Week, Alicia Keys

It’s Istanbul Fashion Week through Saturday as the city prepares to welcome the IOC.

"Istanbul Fashion Week brings the city alive and the buzz it creates is the ideal scene-setter for the IOC Evaluation Commission’s arrival next week," bid chairman Hasan Arat said Friday.

"Once again, Istanbul has provided a dramatic backdrop for a world-class event. Fashion Week reflects Istanbul’s diverse culture as well as the creative and innovative talent that exists within our very youthful population. This is a message we will be repeating to the IOC next week."

Also this week, R&B singer Alicia Keys was unveiled as opener for the 20th Istanbul Jazz Festival, scheduled for July 2 to 19.

"Istanbul’s ability to attract world stars is a further sign that Turkey’s lure as an entertainment hub resonates throughout the world," added IOC member and NOC president Ugur Erdener.

"Turkey’s dream is to host the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. During the IOC Evaluation Commission’s visit next week, we can point to past, current and future examples of our ability to deliver events with a global reach."

IOC Proposes Indian Negotiation Dates

The IOC proposed the dates of April 11, 12, 13 or 16 for negotiations with Indian sports officials.

According to reports in local media, the IOC has asked for a response by the end of the week.

Talks will take place at IOC headquarters in Lausanne to discuss how to lift the suspension of the Indian Olympic Association.

Fiji NOC Election

Reg Sanaday will be the new president of FASANOC, the National Olympic Committee in Fiji.

Following the end of the nomination process, Sanaday is the lone nominee. He will replace Vidhya Lakhan, who was elected in 2011. Sanaday is the president of Bodybuilding Fiji.

The election is March 27.

Written by Ed Hula III.

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