Shane Warne's foundation to close after probe

In Facebook statement announcing its imminent closure, charity defends its financial performance


Afp January 29, 2016
PHOTO: AFP

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA: Australian cricketing legend Shane Warne's charitable foundation announced Friday it would close after a consumer watchdog launched a probe into its financial affairs.

The charity hit out at "unwarranted speculation" over "its distribution of funds" following local media reports that most of the money it raised went on expenses such as for staging events.

Warne, the charity's chairman, has complained about "malicious attacks and false allegations" in a Facebook post.

Warne wants to train with Yasir Shah

Consumer Affairs Victoria said Sunday it had ordered an independent audit into the foundation's fundraising activities, with the regulator saying the financial information submitted by the charity had been insufficient.

In the Facebook statement announcing its imminent closure, the charity defended its financial performance.

"In response to recent, unwarranted speculation about The Shane Warne Foundation and its distribution of funds, we confirm we have distributed $3.67 million to date with an additional and final substantial cheque to be distributed on March 18, 2016," it said.

Cricket All-Stars: Shoaib Akhtar proves Rawalpindi Express never departed


"At that time, we hope to have distributed over $4 million dollars. All accounts have been fully audited by KPMG, and our final accounts will also be audited for the March 18th cheque presentation."

Warne has previously said the foundation has donated an average of 50 percent of money raised over 12 years, according to reports.

He launched an outspoken attack on the foundation's critics in a Facebook post on Saturday.

"Go through everything you want at anytime as we have nothing to hide," he wrote.

"The foundation puts on events to raise money pure and simple like all charities do, but unfortunately some events just don't raise as much funds as we would like."

COMMENTS

Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ