'We’re WADA-compliant now,' claims AIBA

AIBA has been ordered to revamp its doping programme, its judging and refereeing system, and the governance structure, by the IOC, to save boxing from expulsion from the 2020 Olympics.

After outsourcing the management of its anti-doping programme, the AIBA is likely to join the Independent Testing Authority by June 2018. (Representational Image)

The International Boxing Association (AIBA), on Monday, claimed that it has become WADA-compliant, since adopting a revamped anti-doping programme, which was cited as an area of concern by the IOC, when it threatened to expel the sport from the 2020 Olympics.

“Following the review of the International Boxing Association’s Corrective Action Report (CAR), the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) concluded that all non-conformities, based on the CAR, have been addressed appropriately by the AIBA,” the AIBA said, in a statement.

AIBA has been ordered to revamp its doping programme, its judging and refereeing system, and the governance structure, by the International Olympic Committee, to save boxing from expulsion from the 2020 Olympics.

After outsourcing the management of its anti-doping programme, the AIBA is likely to join the Independent Testing Authority by June 2018.

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“Being in compliance with the World Anti-Doping marks a big achievement for AIBA and shows its commitment to move our organisation forward. We believe that this is just the first step and we will continue our talks with the WADA, as we are working together in the fight for a clean sport,” AIBA Executive Director Tom Virgets said.

AIBA said that it is currently making “strong efforts” to ensure that a secure and functional Anti-Doping system is in place during the World Championships in 2019.

With its new partners, the Global Association of International Sports Federations’ (GAISF) and Doping-Free Sport Unit (DFSU), AIBA is currently establishing a new anti-doping educational programme, dedicated to ensuring that “all AIBA member federations and athletes understand the applicable rules and regulations".

The IOC has also objected to the appointment of Uzbek Gafur Rakhimov as the AIBA President, owing to his alleged links to financial crimes, a criticism that has been rejected by AIBA.