Several cases investigated by the Ethics and Sports Protection Committee are currently at the investigative stage.
Findings of the committee’s investigations into sports federations, along with supporting material, have already been forwarded by the latter to the Police for investigative work.
It will now be clarified whether the criminal offenses identified through the investigative work of the Ethics Committee are substantiated.
Once the police investigators complete the case files with testimonies and other evidence, they will send them back to the Legal Service.
This is the only authority competent to assess whether the gathered evidence is sufficient to support a case in court.
As reliably reported by Phileleftheros, one of the cases recently forwarded to the Police concerns the judo federation.
In fact, information suggests that since last Monday, individuals have been summoned to testify about their knowledge of this Olympic sport and to provide information.
It is noted that the report on judo was delivered last November.
After being received by the investigating officers, the Ethics and Sports Protection Committee spoke of serious findings, stating in a press release that criminal offenses involving four individuals had emerged.
Our information indicates that the investigating officers judged that the positions of three administrative officials and the technical advisor of the Federation may be incompatible.
In other words, based on the findings, these individuals are alleged to have personal interests in the sport they serve.
The report also cited evidence indicating that the Federation operates as a closed circle selectively providing information to individuals in the sport, leading to manipulation of match results.
At the Police, a case highlighted within the revelations of an international network of investigative journalists (Cyprus Confidential) has also been forwarded.
This concerns a publication based on leaked documents from Cypriot administrative service companies, revealing cooperation for the promotion of footballers through Cyprus.
The Guardian, which had brought up the issue, implicated Apollon football club, Cypriot football, the well-known football agent Pini Zahavi, and the Russian tycoon Roman Abramovich.
The Ethics Committee had deemed this case potentially revealing misconduct.
Developments are expected shortly regarding the Shooting Federation of Cyprus as well.
The Ethics and Sports Protection Committee is expected to deliver its third report on the sport of shooting in Cyprus to the Legal Service within days.
In a statement earlier this month, the Committee had expressed serious concern about findings concerning individuals involved in shooting and shooting ranges.
There were mentions of 31 individuals for whom potential criminal offenses might arise.
Information suggests that at least one individual may have had proceedings initiated for arrest. However, this information is unconfirmed.
The Ethics and Sports Protection Committee was expected to send a letter to the new board of the Cyprus Sports Organization, making recommendations regarding the sport of shooting.
The management of shooting ranges across Cyprus was also on the agenda.
