IOC Member Seeks to Address Conflicts as Consultant

(ATR) Concerns by the IOC over the appointment of Rania Elwani to a position with an influential consulting firm is leading to "adjustments" of her role in the new job, Around the Rings is told.

Lausanne-based TSE announced the appointment Tuesday of Dr. Rania Elwani as director of a new office for North Africa headquartered in Cairo.

Elwani, 32,became an IOC member in 2004 when she was elected a member of the Athletes Commission. The three-time Olympic swimmer is a member of the IOC Coordination Commission for the Singapore Olympics, IOC Medical Commission and IOC Athletes Commission. Sheis on the WADA Executive Committee and Foundation Board. Also she is founder of Egyptian Olympians Association and a member of the Egyptian Olympic Committee.

TSE says in a statement that potential conflicts of interest were "discussed in detail" before naming her to the full time position.

"Rania sought guidance on how to approach this new opportunity and followed the advice she was given. The contract between TSE and Dr. Elwani clearly states that the scope of her work would not include Olympic bids or any other work related to the IOC," says TSE.

"Following yesterday’s announcement, however, the IOC has voiced some concerns about the agreement stating that there is a ‘perception’ of conflict of interest. Therefore, we are currently making the necessary adjustments to ensure a clear path for the development of future projects in North Africa," says the statement.

As part of its work, TSE advises some clients on the possibility of bidding for the Olympics but is not involved in active bids for the Games, such as the current race for the 2018 Olympics.

TSE Managing Director Lars Haue-Pedersen says Elwani has experience that makes her valuable for helping to grow sport in North Africa. But he says TSE wants to make sure there are no conflicts.

"We don’t see any conflict of interest but want to ensure that the integrity of Rania, the IOC and TSE are not compromised in any way. TSE has a detailed ethical code upon which all staff adhere to and we are committed to maintaining the very highest of ethical standards when delivering work around the world," says Haue-Pederson.

"Our engagement with Rania, in our view, fully complied with these standards but if there are any doubts, whether rooted in reality or perception, we of course have to adjust. We have therefore agreed with Rania to find a suitable solution," he says.

According to TSE, under the original terms of her engagement with TSE, she was barred from working on projects involving Olympic bids.

A conflict of interest controversy led to the resignation from the IOC of Robert Helmick in 1991, who was also the U.S. Olympic Committee president as that time. Helmick was providing consulting services for organizations hoping to do business at the time.

Written by Ed Hula.