The 2021 Men’s World Boxing Championships have been moved from New Delhi to Belgrade, the International Boxing Association (AIBA) said on Tuesday.
In a statement, AIBA said it had terminated New Delhi’s contract after it did not pay an agreed host fee, meaning that India will have to pay a cancellation penalty of $500,000 (461,366 euros).
The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) blamed AIBA for its inability to pay the host fee, saying that AIBA’s bank account in Lausanne was “frozen”.
“AIBA could not resolve these issues,” Indian media quoted the BFI as saying.
“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.”
The BFI added that it feels it has no obligation to pay any cancellation or penalty fees to AIBA and is working towards “an amicable solution”.
The AIBA was last year stripped by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) of its right to run boxing at the Tokyo Games due to serious mismanagement.
AIBA interim president Mohamed Moustahsane claimed that this World Championships would be a huge event for Serbia.
“First of all, we are happy to announce our next major elite competition,” Moustahsane said.
“I’m sure all the nation would be proud to host the Championships in Belgrade. Serbia has everything to organize a great event for athletes, coaches, officials, and, of course, for our boxing fans.
“It’s a big step toward our new competition system and also the financial stability of our organisation, which is going to be less and less dependent on the Olympic money.”