Indian Amateur Boxing Federation suspension could be extended by AIBA |
Back To Main |
01-Mar-2013
insidethegames
 The Indian Amateur Boxing Federation (IABF) could see its suspension by the International Boxing Association (AIBA) extended, with media reports claiming the world governing body had approved a new constitution proving false.
AIBA announced last week that Indian boxers and coaches would be allowed to compete in competition under the AIBA flag, although the IABF itself would remain suspended.
Reports in the Indian media then suggested the IABF suspension was about to be lifted after AIBA had apparently approved their new constitution.
However, AIBA President and Taiwanese International Olympic Committee (IOC) member C K Wu has written a letter to India's IOC member Randhir Singh explaining that the media reports are wrong and that the new constitution remains "a work in progress".
"I am writing to you with great concern with regard to some statements which were recently published in the Indian media claiming that AIBA has approved the new constitution of the IABF," read Wu's letter.
"This is completely false.
"AIBA would be more than happy to set the record straight and clarify the true position with the media.
"The IABF constitution, which was completely revised by the AIBA Legal Department, was only so far sent to the AIBA Executive Committee member from India, Mr Kishen Narsi, on February 11, 2013.
"The constitution is still a work in progress and is subject to further consultation between AIBA and the relevant parties in India.
"To be clear, the IABF constitution has not been approved by AIBA whatsoever."
C K Wu has confirmed that the world governing body for boxing has not yet approved the new IABF constitution
Wu also explained to Singh that AIBA has learnt of attempts by IABF to hold an illegal meeting to discuss the constitution, which could lead to an extension of their suspension.
"In addition, it seems that a Special General Annual Meeting has been convened by the non-recognised elected IABF secretary general in a place outside New Delhi and apparently without invitations sent to all stakeholders (clubs), this to discuss and approve the constitution," explained Wu.
"It goes without saying that should IABF persist in illegal actions which are totally against ethics, AIBA will have no choice than to extend the suspension imposed on IABF as long as necessary.
"I thank you very much in advance for your attention to this matter and for any help you may bring into making sure the media do have the proper information."
AIBA sanctioned the IABF last December after the IOC suspended the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) for not holding its elections under the Olympic Charter.
AIBA's move to suspend the IABF came after Abhay Singh Chautala, its chairman, was controversially elected IOA President in the move that caused its suspension from the Olympics.
The IABF elections saw Chautala move from President to chairman and his brother-in-law Abhishek Matoria become the new President.
AIBA is likely to deem the elections as illegal after learning about "possible manipulation", meaning that a new ballot may have to be held.
Contact the writer of this story at tom.degun@insidethegames.biz |
