International Boxing Association (AIBA) on Tuesday terminated an agreement signed with India in 2017 after the Indian national federation failed to pay the host fee for 2021 Men’s World Boxing Championship.
The termination of agreement means India loses hosting rights for 2021 Men’s World Boxing Championship, the elite competition which would have happened for the first time in the country. Now the competition will be held in in the Serbian city of Belgrade.
“After New Delhi didn’t fulfil its obligations to pay host fee as mentioned in the Host City Agreement terms, AIBA has terminated the contract. Therefore, India would have to pay a cancellation penalty of USD 500,” the AIBA said in a statement.
Serbia The New Host
The AIBA said it is glad to have found a new host for the event, which would be held in an Olympic year now after the Tokyo Games had to be postponed in view of the COVID-19 pandemic
“Serbia has everything to organize a great event for athletes, coaches, officials, and, of course, for our boxing fans,” AIBA Interim President Mohamed Moustahsane added in the statement.
The Serbian Boxing Federation, meanwhile, welcomed the decision. The Serbian Boxing Federation President said, this is the second time for our nation to be back as hosts and he strongly believes that the Serbian Boxing Federation will do a fantastic job in organizing this tournament.
AIBA Acted In Haste
Reacted to the decision, the BFI head Ajay Singh, said it was a decision taken in haste.
He defended the delay in payment and said that AIBA could not clearly tell where to transfer the money and invited fresh bids for the event a day before the payment deadline.
“…we have reasons to believe that the decision to change the venue of WCH-2021 was taken in haste without due consultation with BFI…the penalty that is imposed is shocking and surprising”…both parties are working for an amicable solution. BFI is confident that the penalty will be waived off and we will host World Championships in future,” the BFI statement read.
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