Sri Lankan Olympic referee faces IBA sanction
The investigation officer, Ms Manal Rmeity, has also recommended for the revocation of Shiromala’s IBA certification and to request for a formal acknowledgment of Shiromala’s failure to cooperate with the investigation.
Nelka Shiromala officiated in two Olympics, but IBA has recommended a two-year ban on her after an inquiry
Despite being given the opportunity to respond and request a hearing, Shiromala had not provided any defence before the February 28, 2025 deadline. Her failure to engage in the proceedings has raised further concerns about her commitment to the governing rules of the sport.
Accordingly she has been found guilty of violating the Article 25.6.8 of the IBA T and C Rules, as well as Article 33.2 and Article 41 DEC, and Articles 4.1 and 4.3 of the IBA Code of Conduct.
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.
On March 5, 2025, the Chairperson of the BIIU Tribunal, Male Badri, issued a decree confirming the closure of the proceedings where the tribunal will now deliberate solely based on documentary evidence. The final decision will be made during an in-person session in Geneva on April 15, 2025.
If the Tribunal follows through with the proposed sanctions, it will send a strong message to all registered officials that compliance with the IBA’s governance structure is non-negotiable. Any objections regarding the impartiality of the panel members must be submitted in writing to the BIIU Managing Board by April 14, 2025
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 BIIU assigned the case to Manal Rmeity, a Lebanese legal counsel based in Doha, Qatar, who will serve as the Investigation and Prosecution Officer (IPO). Rmeity was empowered to collect evidence, summon witnesses, and propose sanctions.
This case highlights the growing tensions between the IBA and World Boxing, as officials continue to navigate the complexities of dual affiliations. The IBA has made it clear that referees and judges who participate in non-IBA events without prior approval will face strict disciplinary measures. The outcome of this case will likely serve as a precedent for future instances of regulatory breaches.
For Shiromala, the consequences could be severe. A two-year suspension would not only sideline her from international officiating but could also impact her career prospects within Sri Lanka’s boxing community. The lack of response to the Tribunal proceedings further weakens her position and could result in the harshest penalties being enforced.