Assault claim coach quits

‘Inappropriate touching’ alleged by team member

QUEENSLAND police are investigating claims the head of the Mauritius Commonwealth Games team indecently assaulted a female athlete on the Gold Coast.

Mauritian chef de mission Kaysee Teeroovengadum last night quit his post amid the unfolding scandal, which is also being investigated by Games authorities.

Mauritian media reported that a member of the team had accused Teeroovengadum of inappropriate “touching”.

Police Games commander, Deputy Commissioner Steve Gollschewski, said a formal complaint had not yet been received but “we’re making inquiries”.

“We hope to have a clearer picture by the morning,” he said.

A GOLDOC spokesperson also referred inquires to the Queensland Police Service.

Teeroovengadum stood down last night after a series of crisis meetings involving the government and the nation’s sporting authorities.

“After meeting with the members of the Olympic Committee and listening to the versions of the two people concerned, Kaysee Teeroovengadum made the decision to withdraw for the benefit of everyone and so that things could calm down,” the country’s Minister of Youth and Sports Stephan Toussaint said.

Another report said Teeroovengadum would stay in the Athletes’ Village, despite relinquishing his post.

Mr Toussaint took the extraordinary step of reassuring the parents of Mauritian athletes on the Gold Coast that they were in safe hands.

“The participants are in good hands and they are very well coached,” he said.

Commonwealth Games Federation CEO David Grevemberg said he was aware of the allegations and was investigating.

“We take these matters incredibly seriously and there is a zero tolerance to these situations and our absolute focus is on safety and respect for individuals,’’ he said.

Mr Grevemberg said the village had hotlines so for “such matters”.

The Games Federation also had an athlete ombudsman to work on any issues regarding “conduct which is unbecoming of the values we are trying to uphold”, he said.

The scandal comes just days after the Games was hit by the discovery of contraband syringes in the athletes’ village.