The Swedish Universitetskanslersämbetet is embroiled in controversy after its Director General, Martin Norsell, hired his former coach as an independent investigator without a competitive bidding process.

This decision, which bypassed public procurement laws, has drawn sharp criticism from legal experts.

The project, initially intended to reduce the agency's reliance on consultants, ended up costing 1.2 million kronor and involved the consultant's family members.

The Swedish Competition Authority is now investigating the matter.

Additionally, Norsell's practice of forwarding internal emails to the consultant, sometimes with disparaging remarks, has raised further concerns about his leadership.

Critics argue that such actions undermine the integrity of the agency, which is responsible for overseeing the quality of Swedish universities and colleges.