BOXING BOARD FACES E1.5M FINE, SUSPENSION

MBABANE - The Boxing Independent Integrity Unit (BIIU) has initiated proceedings against the Eswatini Boxing Association (EBA) and its President Webster Lukhele. This follows a series of grave allegations concerning governance failures. The case, brought to the attention of BIIU by Vincent Sihlongonyane, the Manager of Matsapha Boxing Club, has resulted in the potential for severe sanctions, including a fine of up to E1.5 million in yesterday’s exchange rate (CHF 75 000) or a suspension from all boxing-related activities for as long as four years.

The BIIU is an essential body within the International Boxing Association (IBA) that focuses on maintaining integrity in the sport of boxing. It was established to address various issues related to ethics, compliance and the overall integrity of boxing competitions. Among other duties, the unit is responsible for investigating complaints against individuals or entities that breach the IBA’s Disciplinary and Ethics Code.

Troubling

The allegations against the EBA and Lukhele are said to be extensive and troubling. They include claims of a failure to hold Annual General Meetings since Lukhele’s appointment in 2020, except for one that did not meet quorum requirements. The investigation has also uncovered accusations of appointing untrained officials during competitions and a lack of transparency in selecting athletes and coaches for international representation. Further claims suggest that Lukhele acted unilaterally in making significant decisions, such as appointing an EBA Secretary General without due process and mishandling the resignation of four board members.

Concerns

These actions have raised serious concerns about the governance and administration of the EBA, prompting the BIIU to take action. The investigation led by Giulio Palermo, the appointed Investigation and Prosecution Officer (IPO), revealed that the respondents (EBA Board) had indeed violated multiple articles of the IBA Code and Constitution.The findings indicated that these breaches were not isolated incidents, but rather part of a troubling pattern of governance failures at the EBA, which have jeopardised the integrity of boxing in Eswatini. In particular, the IPO highlighted repeated breaches of conduct as aggravating factors that warrant a more severe penalty.

Article 13.1 of the IBA Code stipulates that the Tribunal must consider the nature of the offence and the need for deterrence when imposing sanctions, which may lead to a fine and/or suspension. In light of the findings, the IPO has proposed imposing a fine of over E1.5 million or a suspension from all boxing-related activities for a duration of up to four years. The rationale behind such a significant penalty is to ensure that similar misconduct does not recur and to protect the integrity of the sport. The Tribunal is expected to consider the financial implications of any fines on the respondents, ensuring that penalties are proportionate to their financial circumstances.

The IPO has also requested the possibility of amending the submission if new evidence emerges during the proceedings. As the BIIU Tribunal prepares to deliberate on the case, the outcome could have profound implications for boxing in Eswatini. Eswatini Sports and Recreation Council (ESRC) Communications Manager Dumsani Ntiwane was yet to respond to a text sent to his phone. Repeated calls made to his phone rang unanswered. The last attempt was made at 6:42pm. (More reports in next edition)

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