AIBA ‘take appropriate action’ and remove certain judges
The AIBA have released a statement today revealing they have taken ‘immediate and appropriate actions’ after a number of refereeing and judging controversies at the Rio Olympics
They claim only a handful of 239 bouts were not officiated at ‘the level expected’ and that judges of those bouts ‘will no longer officiate at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.’
The final results in these bouts will still stand despite the below-par judging.
The much-criticised governing body did not specify which bouts are in question, or which judges have been sent home.
Mick Conlan’s loss to Vladimir Nikitin in the bantamweight quarter final yesterday could well be one of these bouts, but this remains unconfirmed. The judges who scored Conlan’s bout were were Brazilian Jones Kennedy Silva Da Rosario, Sri Lankan Bandara Talik Udoni Kiridena, and Pole Mariusz Gorny.
The AIBA also said they won’t act on calls to deal with ‘corruption’ until their is evidence rather than rumour it has taken place.
Read the Statement Below:
Following recent judging decisions and after carrying out a thorough examination by the relevant Commission, AIBA has decided to take immediate and appropriate actions.
Since the beginning of the Olympic Games, AIBA has conducted 239 bouts. The AIBA R&J Commission has reviewed all decisions and determined that less than a handful of the decisions were not at the level expected and consequently it has been decided in accordance with the AIBA R&J evaluation committee that the concerned referees and judges will no longer officiate at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. In accordance with AIBA Rules the result of all the bouts will stand.
AIBA represents 200 National Federations and has continuously sought to evolve the sport of boxing and continuously strive to ensure a level playing field. AIBA will not shy away from its responsibilities and is fully committed to a zero tolerance policy towards fair play in boxing, always acting in the boxers’ utmost interest. The Olympic Games represent the pinnacle of all sports and Boxing has been part of this since 1904. It is essential AIBA stands to the values of respect, sportsmanship, excellence and remains committed to a fair and transparent sport.
With regard to corruption, we would like to strongly restate that unless tangible proof is put forward, not rumours, we will continue to use any means, including legal or disciplinary actions to protect our sport and its R&J community whose integrity is constantly put into question. The organization will not be deterred by subjective judgements made by discontented parties. We welcome all parties to come forward and provide evidence in order to take appropriate and immediate action.