Celebrated referee in hot waters after breach of IBA guidelines
The Boxing Independent Integrity Unit (BIIU) has initiated a formal inquiry disciplinary inquiry against Sri Lankan boxing referee Nelka Shiromala, a referee affiliated with Boxing Association of Sri Lanka (BASL).
The case stems from allegations that Shiromala violated the Article 25.6.8 of the International Boxing Association’s (IBA) Technical and Competitions Rules by participating as a referee and judge in the U-19 World Boxing Championship held at Colorado, USA from October 25 to November 3 in 2024, without obtaining the required prior approval for the IBA Board of Directors, a breach explicitly outlined in the association’s regulations.
As per the IBA’s rules, it is required officials must obtain written permission before engaging with any other analogous international boxing entities. Failure to adhere to this rule can result in the withdrawal or downgrade of their certification following a thorough review by the Competitions Committees or the BIIU.
Shiromala, attached to Sri Lanka Police as a Chief Inspector, had officiated in two Olympic Games, including last year’s Paris Olympics and many other international competitions.
The case has been assigned to Manal Rmeity, a Lebanese legal counsel based in Doha, Qatar, who will serve as the Investigation and Prosecution Officer (IPO). Rmeity has been empowered to collect evidence, summon witnesses, and propose sanctions. Her motivated written submission, including all relevant evidence and recommendations for possible sanctions, is due by February 15, 2025.
The BIIU then will review the IPO’s findings and decide on the appropriate course of action, which may include sanctions against Shiromala if the allegations are substantiated.