Independent probe launched into Olympic Stadium controversy
LEGACY chiefs have responded to fears over the transparency of the decision to award West Ham the Olympic Stadium by commissioning an independent investigation.
The Olympic Park Legacy Company, which earlier this year voted unanimously for West Ham’s proposal over a rival bid from Tottenham, has appointed auditors Moore Stephens to carry out the probe into OPLC procedures.
It follows the OPLC’s suspension of director Dionne Knight after it emerged that she was paid more than £20,000 by West Ham for consultancy work before the bid decision was made. A statement from the OPLC read: “The Olympic Park Legacy Company has launched an independent investigation into its internal stadium procedures as a result of the allegations made concerning employee Dionne Knight.
“We are also investigating the nature of the consultancy work that Dionne Knight undertook without our knowledge or permission. An independent barrister will be instructed to conduct the employment elements of this investigation.
“We remain confident that the integrity of our processes has not been compromised.”