CoST could be part of the solution to the risks in infrastructure development for major sporting events. This was a key message at a recent OECD meeting in Paris on integrity in sports and other major events.

This message was well received, especially by Stefano Mogin, Co-Chair of the G20 Anti-Corruption Panel, and Janos Bertok, Head of the Public Sector Integrity Division of OECD. There will be further sessions to refine what OECD should do in this area, and they expressed their hope that CoST would be involved.

The meeting was opened by Transparency International Managing Director Cobus de Swardt, who declared passionately that something must be done about the corruption surrounding international sport, before this “vital social good” was destroyed. Transparency International is to publish a set of guidelines on major sporting events later this year, and CoST will be consulted on the infrastructure aspect.

Francois Moriniere, General Director of L’Equipe, moved the focus onto corruption in the awarding of sporting events and also match-fixing; but Patrick Moulette, head of the OECD Anti-Corruption Division, brought the meeting back to corruption in and around the preparation of events, and made the point that companies can do a great deal through having proper anti-corruption systems in place. OECD Legal Director Nicola Bonucci summed up the morning, highlighting the fact that the OECD will now have to work out where they can make a difference.

Representing CoST at the event was Senior Industry Advisor, Graham Hand. Graham said ‘This was good general exposure for CoST, and we hope to continue to be involved where the focus is relevant to CoST. It may be that CoST will be recommended as part of an eventual toolkit for countries undertaking very large sporting and other events.’