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The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) has announced that controversial media director Mike Tancred will leave the organisation.
Key points
- AOC says Mike Tancred's departure part of organisational restructure, and not related to allegations of him "bullying and intimidating" colleagues
- Independent report says Mr Tancred was a "casualty of the crossfire" in an often spiteful AOC presidential election
- Chief executive Matt Carroll says AOC can now move forward after "turbulent time"
The AOC also announced that the independent committee's latest investigation into his conduct found that he did not breach by-laws.
However Mr Tancred was severely reprimanded in May for his conduct towards former chief executive Fiona de Jong, and a series complaints against him — some of which were proven — sparked a review that criticised the culture within the AOC.
He also faced allegations he bullied other former staff members and a member of the public.
Two positions will be created to replace Mr Tancred, including one to implement recommendations to reform the AOC culture.
But the independent committee determined the accusers were not objective and the accusations were inflated during Danni Roche's unsuccessful run against John Coates for the AOC presidency.
"We have no doubt that some of the matters have been given emphasis, sometimes undue or excessive emphasis, by reason of and during the course of an election for the office of president of the AOC involving a challenge to the current president who has been in that role for many years," its report said.
"The election attracted a great deal of publicity. Each of Mr Coates and his challenger had his and her supporters, including prominent columnists and commentators in the print and electronic media.
"It seems to us that in some respects Mr Tancred was a casualty of the crossfire between the respective camps."
Mr Coates said his media director had been a tireless worker across 18 years and 10 Olympic Games.
"He understands that National Olympic Committees must preserve their independence and autonomy and was never backward in supporting me publicly to ensure our politicians and others are aware of this essential requirement for recognition by the IOC," he said.
Tancred's departure could end 'turbulent time' for AOC
AOC chief executive Matt Carroll reiterated Mr Tancred's departure was the result of a structural shake up, rather than a result of the recent investigation into his conduct.
The AOC has been undergoing a review of its organisation since I arrived. They've restructured, are looking at new roles, and a couple of important new roles," Mr Carroll told the ABC.
"As a consequence, Mike's role was made redundant and he has chosen to leave the AOC."
Ms de Jong's case was one of five put forward which accused Mr Tancred of bullying and intimidation. She recently suggested the cultural issues at the organisation could not be fixed while Mr Coates was still involved — something Mr Carroll disagrees with.
"We are going through a significant period of change … so I disagree with Fiona de Jong, and what I would say is she obviously doesn't know Matt Carroll well. We will move the organisation forward," he said.
"This has been a turbulent time since before the elections.
"But I am very optimistic with the staff we have, with the engagement we are now having with our member sports and with the great relationship we are now developing between us and the Australian Sports Commission, that there is a clear path forward."
Ms De Jong declined to comment when contacted by the ABC, while Mr Tancred is unable to comment due to a confidentiality agreement.
Topics: olympic-games-organising-committee, sport, australia
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