Commonwealth Games top official fired

The Commonwealth Games organising committee has fired one of its top officials as it investigates alleged irregularities in funding for an event in London.



Press Trust of India reported that the organising committee's joint director T.S. Darbari was given his "marching orders" at the request of India's sports ministry and will be replaced by V.L. Saxena.



Darbari was already suspended for alleged corruption during the Queen's Baton Relay launching ceremony in London.



Press Trust of India also reported that the sports ministry had not been happy with the suspension and wanted Darbari's position terminated.



Corruption allegations and delays in construction of venues and infrastructure have dogged the Commonwealth Games, which will take place from October 3 to 14 in New Delhi.



Last week, organising committee treasurer Anil Khanna quit following allegations that his son's firm was awarded a contract to lay synthetic surfaces at a tennis stadium for the games.



Commonwealth Games Federation president Michael Fennell of Jamaica has asked for a full report on the corruption allegations and urged local organisers to take action to ensure problems in the preparations do not tarnish the event.