(SEPT 5) English boxers can once more compete in forthcoming AIBA International Championships as a result of the AIBA having today lifted their ban on the Amateur Boxing Association of England (ABAE).

The ban is lifted subject to several provisos one of which is that they are required to comply with AIBA Rules and Regulations by 8 October.

A statement from AIBA HQ in Lausanne says:

“On July 18, 2013, the International Boxing Association (AIBA) Executive Committee provisionally suspended the Amateur Boxing Association of England (ABAE) for serious breaches of the AIBA Statutes/Bylaws and the AIBA Technical & Competition Rules. The Executive Committee also referred the matter to the AIBA Disciplinary Commission for its further investigation and decisions regarding the future of the ABAE within AIBA.

The three Members of the AIBA Disciplinary Commission, including the Chairman, have concluded their review and issued a decision on September 4, 2013.

Findings:

The Disciplinary Commission found that the ABAE "committed and continues to commit significant violations" of the AIBA Statutes and Bylaws. In particular, it was held that the ABAE decision to ban English World Series of Boxing (WSB) boxers from competing in the ABAE National Championships was "directly contrary to AIBA's competitions rules". The Disciplinary Commission found that that there was "not a shred of evidence" to back the claim that allowing WSB boxers to participate would be medically unsafe. On the contrary, the Disciplinary Commission held that the WSB competition was "thoroughly researched from medical and safety standpoints".

On the issue of the ABAE's failure to bring its Articles of Association into line with AIBA Statutes and Bylaws, the Disciplinary Commission found that the explanations offered by the ABAE for this failure were "poor excuses for evading their responsibilities and obligations". The ABAE was also warned "to keep all governance and operations at arms-length away from Sport England (...) in order to maintain the necessary autonomy".

Sanctions

The Disciplinary Commission imposed a fine of CHF 5'000 on the ABAE, however, "this fine will be waived if the ABAE makes a public statement confirming that it (i) failed to comply with the AIBA Statutes, Bylaws and Rules and (ii) it will adopt the required amendments to its Articles of Association and bylaws".

The Disciplinary Commission also ordered the ABAE to establish a Compliance Committee to develop recommendations for governance changes to the ABAE Articles and Bylaws in order to bring them into compliance with the AIBA Statutes, Bylaws, Rules and Codes. The required changes should be adopted by October 8, 2013.

Having imposed these sanctions, the Disciplinary Commission lifted the provisional suspension on the ABAE. The ABAE and its boxers are free to compete in AIBA Events. However, any issue regarding delays or objections during this reform process may be referred back to the Disciplinary Commission who may then reopen the matter and issue additional fines and/or sanctions.

The first of the English women’s teams which will benefit from the lifting will be the Youth and Juniors taking part in the World Championships in Albena,