Ford rapped by city integrity commissioner

The leading candidate for mayor of Toronto, Rob Ford, broke the rules to raise money for his charity, according to a report filed Friday.

In her report, the city's integrity commissioner said Fordbreached several regulationswhen he used his position as a city councillorduring private fundraising.

Janet Leiper said Ford improperly used his City of Toronto letterhead, his influence as a councillor and city resourcesto pitch for donations to his private football foundation.

Leiper said she brought the issue to Ford's attention last December, but he didn't do anything about it.

She wants Ford to pay back the money to the people and corporations who donated it.

"They're doing everything in their power to make sure I don't become mayor," Ford said.

He talked to CBC News during a football practice by a group of teenage boys on a field in Etobicoke, a place where he is known as Coach Ford.

Ford said he used his charity to help the football team with equipment and start-up costs.

He said he's helping teens, not abusing power.

"It's truly unbelievable. I'm helping kids start football programs getting kids off the streets, out of gangs," he said.

Ford said his foundation supports 10 football programs in the city, and it's raised more than $40,000.

The integrity commissioner said she won't comment until next week, when council is set to consider her report.

Ford said the money has already been spent, but he will pay it back if he has to.

This follows a controversy over Ford's remarks on immigration on Tuesday, when he suggested Toronto may not be able to take in any more immigrants over the next decade.