UniLeaks: Universiade 2013 in center of scandal over 'finances'

A leaked communication between Audit Chamber head Sergey Stepashin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has sparked a dispute in the Russian media over the financial health of the 2013 University Games in Kazan.

The Izvestia newspaper recently published an apparent letter from Audit Chamber head Sergey Stepashin to Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, claiming that the Games’ cash reserves fell short of its tax bill by over 100 million roubles.The news triggered speculations in the Russian media that the the project could be on the verge of bankruptcy.The Audit Chamber later said the document’s contents had been misinterpreted.“The report from the Audit Chamber of the Russian Federation simply indicated the necessity of resolving questions in the area of taxation that may arise during the implementation of partnership agreements during the Universiade,” the Audit Chamber said in a statement.Meanwhile, the office of Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov, who is responsible for organizing the event, has warned against exaggerating the issue saying all preparations are on schedule.“All questions and difficulties that may arise are being resolved. It appears someone wanted to find a sensation where there is none,” it stated.The Universiade to be held in July was awarded to Kazan in 2008, with the Russian city beating Vigo in Spain and the South Korean city of Gwangju.The organizers suffered a blow last month when the 45,000-seater football stadium’s opening was delayed leading to the cancelation of the Games’ football tournament.