[LONDON – 15 January 2020] A hearing, requested by the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) in the dispute regarding recognition of IMMAF as an official signatory to the World Anti-doping Agency (WADA), took place on Tuesday 14 January in Lausanne, Switzerland.
IMMAF CEO Densign White was present together with representatives from IMMAF’s legal representatives (Gros & Waltenspühl). The hearing was technical and its main purpose was to restrict (from both parties) the number of statements to be disputed and for which witnesses will be called.
WADA requested a suspension of the proceedings, on the grounds that the admission process to the WADA is currently being modified and that the 2021 version of the Code will most likely allow the IMMAF to become signatory.
IMMAF has objected to this request and the judge is now considering whether a suspension of the proceedings would be appropriate.
IMMAF CEO, Densign White, said:
“I was satisfied that our case was heard. Our legal representatives clearly stated IMMAF’s position which is that a suspension of proceeding would not be appropriate. It would unduly delay the whole process and there is also absolutely no guarantee that WADA would accept IMMAF as a signatory when the new Code enters into force.”
The judge also set a 10-day deadline (until Friday, January 24, 2020) to determine a restricted list of witnesses who will testify, and whether this would be in person in Lausanne or by rogatory letter. No date has yet been fixed for the next hearing.
