London: The National Federations of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation have today approved changes to the IMMAF Statutes at an Extraordinary General Assembly which commenced online.
The updates to the Statutes reflect the recommendations of a recent independent, good governance audit carried out of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation.
Changes include: the requirement for Annual General Meetings; staggered, four-year terms for a maximum of two terms for Board Directors; athlete representation on the Board; a target for 30% female representation on the Board and to reflect IMMAF as a Swiss entity.
In 2020, the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation relocated as a company to Switzerland, the home of the Olympic movement. The appointment of Swiss auditors at Price Waterhouse Cooper was also approved by the assembly.
The motion to change the IMMAF Statutes was approved by 55 to 2 votes, with 2 abstentions and 2 votes discounted by the scrutineers, out of a total of 61 votes.
The motion to appoint Swiss auditors was approved by 57 votes with 2 abstentions.
The EGM was attended by 61 full members, with voting rights, as well as observational members. Independent consultants Denis Rowan and Geoff Wilson acted as scrutineers.
Speaking to the assembly, IMMAF President Kerrith Brown commended the ongoing work of the National Federations in the shadow of the global pandemic.
“The changes to the statutes that we are implementing today strengthen IMMAF as an organisation through ensuring its processes and procedures adhere to the best standards in good governance and meet the criteria of the IOC as we seek to eventually become an Olympic Sport. In applying to the World Anti-doping Agency and to GAISF, we want to demonstrate that we are setting a benchmark for a gold standard in good governance as we continue to work to change perceptions of our sport. Our strengthened foundation will contribute to the legacy we are creating for MMA’s youth,” he added while emphasizing on the significance of the statutes changes that were to be approved at the Extraordinary General Meeting.
