IABA EGM: Resolution passed, unanimously

IABA member clubs have voted, unanimously, in favour of a motion to reimburse the legal costs of 25 members arising from a dispute arbitrated by SDSI.

In August 2021, 25 members were removed from the IABA by Central Council. This decision was upheld by an IABA membership committee on 12th November 2021. The certain members successfully  appealed  through  Sports  Ireland  Arbitration  to restore  the  members.  The Arbitrator did not award them their legal costs. At the AGM of the Company in 2023 members  made representations to  the AGM that they would like this issue re-examined. The Arbitrators did not ultimately award any legal costs to the members on the basis that each party would  normally  bear  its  own  costs  by  reference  to  the  principles  set  out  in  the  SDSI Rules. At the meeting of the Board of Directors on 1 May 2024 it was resolved that this matter would be put to the membership for consideration and their vote on the matter.

55 clubs voted at today’s EGM, and all voted in favour of the motion.

Additionally, an independent investigation will now take place in to the circumstances which brought about the SDSI case. This was proposed by Connacht President, Sean Clancy of Oughterard BC, and seconded by Darren McGavin of Moyle Park.

Chair of the IABA Board of Directors, Niall O’Carroll, says “This is a watershed moment for the Irish Boxing family. We need to be able to speak openly, and challenge one another in appropriate and constructive ways. This is the way forward for us, the way towards a more transparent and governance-focused Association.”