With India having allegedly failed to submit the requisite host city rights fee, International Boxing Association (AIBA) has shifted the World Boxing Championship 2021 from India to Serbia.
As per PTI report Boxing Federation of India acknowledged the delay but blamed it on “procedural complications” arising out of the AIBA’s failure to resolve “issues” with regards to the account in which the money was to be transferred.
The payment of what is estimated to be USD 4 million was due to be made on December 2 last year.
About snatching hosting rights from India, AIBA statement read, “After New Delhi didn’t fulfill 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″.
It would have been first time that India would have been holding World Boxing Championship. Now the event would be held in Serbian city of Belgrade.
“Serbia has everything to organise a great event for athletes, coaches, officials, and, of course, for our boxing fans,” AIBA’s interim president Mohamed Moustahsane stated.
“AIBA account in Lausanne was frozen. AIBA intended to have some previous payments through an account in Serbia. As Serbia is in the Grey List of Financial Action Task Force (FATF countries), Indian Banks do not normally send money to Serbia. AIBA could not resolve these issues,” PTI quoted a statement from BFI.
“…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,” it added.
The national body conducted the women’s World Championship in 2018 and won the hosting rights of the Asian Championships later this year just weeks ago.