Commonwealth CEO denies interfering with firm hire

The chief executive of the Commonwealth Games Federation has denied his organization acted improperly over the appointment of a consultancy firm to handle international broadcasting rights for the event in India in October.

Mike Hooper said Thursday that the CGF had recommended Fast Track Sales Ltd. but it was the Indian organizing committee's decision to hire the company.

Hooper says "although the CGF supported the appointment of Fast Track, it strongly refutes any inference that it interfered in the selection process."

The Press Trust of India says the appointment has been criticized by India's government auditor because there was no technical evaluation of the bidders.

The Commonwealth Games will run from Oct. 3-14.