McLaren Findings And IOC Support Driving Reform Process At International Weightlifting Federation
Lausanne, 10 June 2020; Following the 4 June publication of Professor Richard McLaren’s independent investigation into the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) and weightlifting, a number of key steps have been taken to lay the foundation for future progress. As a first step, copies of the report and associated evidence were immediately shared with other organisations committed to ensuring that any past wrongdoing is uncovered and that the best possible governance practices are established at the IWF. “Our desire to uncover truth means we must now acknowledge and address the known,” said IWF Interim President Ursula Papandrea. “The findings also afford the IWF the opportunity to rebuild and reform the organization. This is not an option but an absolute necessity.” McLaren’s report revealed a number of instances where the IWF’s governance fell well short of that deserved by athletes, member federations, fans and everyone involved in the sport. In addition to being studied by the IWF’s Oversight and Integrity Commission, the report has been provided to the IOC, WADA, the ITA, ASOIF and GAISF. The ITA has been empowered to investigate the potential for anti-doping rule violations that may have occurred. Work has also begun on governance reform at both constitutional and operational levels. “The focus of the Executive Board over the next few months must be to take the most serious of corrective measures,” continued Papandrea. “The Oversight and Integrity Commission will begin its work on a new Constitution and by-laws with assistance from independent professionals from ASOIF. We are in the beginning stages but we hope to make quick yet thorough work of it. We are particularly grateful for the continued support of the IOC in achieving its call for the fundamental reform of both governance and management.” Independent expertise will be allied with athlete input in working to shape the future of the IWF and its relationship with the sport. A number of IWF member federations have already stressed the need for independence and transparency within this process and the OIC is committed to ensuring these principles are
