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Codona plotting course through EB's troubles
England Basketball chairperson Betty Codona is optimistic that the ills of the governing body can be swiftly cured amid its current crisis.
However, in an exclusive interview with Britball.com, the Sheffield Hatters supremo admits that the suspensions of several key personnel have caused severe damage to the reputation of the sport.
Following the resignation and subsequent suspension of chief executive Simon Kirkland, the brief inter-regnum of Laszlo Nemeth shone light on the association's precarious financial position.
With Nemeth now also removed from his position in charge, the travails in Leeds have been highly embarrassing for English basketball and have put Codona's own role under a critical spotlight.
Mistakes have clearly been made, admits its beleaguered figurehead. But action is being taken to safeguard the interests of both the members and the sport itself.
"We're in the throws of sorting out the problems which have been raised," Codona states. "We're talking to people within the organisation and we've asked (Sutton coach) Jim Walsh to represent the Executive Board.
"He has not, I can stress, been asked to act as chief executive though.
"I'm satisfied that we have the financial affairs under total control. While there is not a single head running England Basketball, we are making sure things can continue until such times as a new chief executive comes in."
She underlines: "I think Laszlo did a good job and we're carrying on what he started.
"The action has been taken as a result of concerns we had. But with both he and Simon, there is no hint of mis-use of funds or of fraudulent behaviour."
Black hole
What brought the action then? Pending the outcome of the enquiry, Codona is unable to comment on the situation.
Sources close to England Basketball claim that Kirkland's removal is part of a wide-ranging analysis of how a fiscal deficit was allowed to accumulate. Nemeth, according to his representatives, stands accused of being too vocal in his accusation of prior mis-management within the various arms of England Basketball's operations.
Relieving both of their duties however has only added to the suspicion that not all is as it seems. However Codona is quick to insist that the board of directors were left with few other options.
"It doesn't look good," she concedes, "but the problem is that you have to go through the proper disciplinary process. If not, then the person concerned has the right to go to an employment tribunal and plead their case."
Despite his suspension, Kirkland remains actively involved on the sport's much-trumpeted Fundamental Review plan which aims to right past wrongs and streamline delivery. It is an uncomfortable situation which has left many questioning whether it is appropriate.
Codona insists however that utilising the outgoing chief's expertise is merely a question of obtaining value for money.
"There's been no hint of anything fraudulent so there's no reason why he shouldn't carry on with it," she asserts.
"He is working on the side of the sport which involves politics and that is what he is good at, dealing with Sport England and people like that. If we didn't use him, and bearing in mind he is suspended on full pay, we would have to spend vast amounts of money on expensive consultants instead."
Spin-offs
Nemeth's chief target for examination was loss-making commercial arm England Basketball Enterprises, whose purchase has yet to bring the degree of monetary returns which were widely touted two years ago.
Codona nonetheless urges patience, stressing that the light is emerging at the end of the tunnel.
"I do believe EBE can be beneficial to bring in revenue to England Basketball. I think it has a lot of potential. I'm also looking at one new marketing partnership with an organisation which has done similar deals with the likes of the TUC. It could have a lot of commercial benefits for us."
Central to the restoration of EB to full health will be resolving its cash crisis. A six-figure hole in its bank account is hardly a slam dunk.
With a wide programme of international teams, development and other initiatives, the lack of cash flow is a scenario which may be temporal but its effect may be to enforce a wider re-appraisal of the way in which English basketball is administered.
"I'm hoping that the Fundamental Review will give us a chance to change things at all levels - on the board, amid the staff, and among the volunteers," Codona offers.
"The priorities are the clubs themselves who are the backbone of any sport. Without them, I believe nothing can happen. And competitions, not just in the NBL but right to the bottom so that kids locally can play basketball.
"The Fundamental Review can put these priorities in place. I think we've got a good future but the problem will always be having the resources to make it happen. The staffing structure is key and it's likely we won't be able to put it all in place at once.
"It will have to happen over a few years. We can't do it all overnight."
Doubtless there will be more dramas by then. Who'd be chair of England Basketball? For the tireless Codona, the seat could scarcely be hotter.
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