The Indian Boxing Federation (IBF) will continue to remain a non-entity for some time now.
The International Boxing Association (AIBA), on Monday, said the friction among different groups within the organisation had hampered the process of the suspended federation getting back its recognition from the apex body.
Responding to a query from The Hindu , AIBA PR and communications director Sebastien Gillot said, “Since the September 2012 IABF AGM and elections, the AIBA has worked towards trying and finding a way forward for boxing in India.
“The process has become increasingly difficult due to the opposing positions adopted by various factions within the IBF. There is an obvious reluctance on the part of these groups to work together.”
The AIBA had suspended the IBF a year ago due to “the suspension imposed by the IOC on the IOA, and the AIBA had also learnt of potential irregularities regarding the conduct of the recent IBF election.”
The world body had set December 4 as the deadline for the IBF to hold its elections.
In the changed circumstances, the AIBA said, “It is now clear to AIBA that we will need to work with the IOA in order to reach a solution and get to a position where it will be possible to hold fresh elections.”
Since the IOA stands suspended by the IOC at present, the AIBA said, “Until the IOC’s suspension of IOA is lifted, AIBA will no longer take any further action in relation to the IBF.”
The AIBA, however, reiterated its stand that it “no longer recognises the administration that was in place prior to the September 2012 (IBF) elections, or the administration purportedly elected at the time.
“Effectively, as far as AIBA is concerned, the IBF does not have any validly appointed officers,” said Gillot.
IBF secretary-general Rajesh Bhandari said they had received a similar communication from the AIBA.
“We are awaiting the outcome of the IOA general body meeting on December 8. After all, our future is linked to the IOA.”
Meanwhile, the AIBA, which had directed the IBF to revise its constitution, had sent back the draft constitution to the Indian body, which now needs to get it adopted at its annual general meeting.
