AIBA opens investigation into possible Rio 2016 boxing corruption

The International Boxing Association (AIBA) has appointed McLaren Sport Solution to investigate the potential judging and refereeing irregularities at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Published : Jun 14, 2021 21:43 IST , Lausanne

AIBA has appointed investigator for unfair refereeing and judging at the 2016 Rio Olympics on Monday.
AIBA has appointed investigator for unfair refereeing and judging at the 2016 Rio Olympics on Monday.
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AIBA has appointed investigator for unfair refereeing and judging at the 2016 Rio Olympics on Monday.

The International Boxing Association (AIBA) has appointed McLaren Sport Solution to investigate the potential judging and refereeing irregularities at the 2016 Rio Olympics. The first phase of the enquiry is due in August.

The judging in the 2016 Games had drawn strong criticism from boxers, with several claiming to be victims of poor officiating.

The most prominent case was Irishman Michael Conlan, who alleged corruption after losing to Russian Vladimir Nikitin despite overwhelmingly dominating the bout.

Nikitin had to give a walkover in his next bout as he had been rendered medically unfit owing to the thrashing handed by Conlan, who turned professional after the Games.

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"International Boxing Association has retained McLaren Sport Solution (MGSS), led by Professor Richard McLaren, to conduct a two-phase independent investigation, starting with the refereeing and judging of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games boxing tournament," AIBA said in a statement.

The IOC had also identified the refereeing and judging of the tournament as an issue in its report which led to AIBA's suspension.

"The commissioning of an independent investigation is the latest step AIBA has taken under the leadership of President Umar Kremlev to address past wrongdoings and implement reforms that will safeguard the sport in the future," the world body stated.

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In the aftermath of the Rio Games, 36 referees and judges faced an inquiry. But they were reinstated at the end of it.

"For some time, it has been clear that AIBA could do more in following up on allegations of unfairness. Unfortunately, to move to a brighter future, we must now also shine a light on AIBA's past," said AIBA president Umar Kremlev.

"The best way to do this is to bring in independent experts to uncover any wrongdoing so that we can learn any lessons that need to be learned and restore confidence.

"Professor McLaren has an unparalleled track record when it comes to sporting investigations and I encourage everyone in the world of boxing who may have evidence of interest to step forward and share it with McLaren and his team," he added.

After completing the first phase of the mandate, Professor McLaren, with his team, will work to identify the "presence of any acts of corruption carried out by the individuals involved in past administrations of AIBA."

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"A number of loans and questionable business decisions were previously entered into. While AIBA's financial integrity and continued solvency have now been addressed, here too there may be lessons to be learned," the AIBA statement read.

The MGSS will also set up a whistleblower line and individuals who come forward will be guaranteed "unconditional confidentiality".

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