The programme alleged back in September that Azerbaijan had paid millions of dollars to AIBA with Ivan Khodabakhsh, the chief operating officer of the AIBA-owned World Series of Boxing (WSB), facilitating the payment of $9 million (£6 million/€7.5 million) from a private investor in exchange for two gold medals at London 2012.

Wu reacted furiously to the allegations and immediately set up a five-person Special Investigation Committee, headed by AIBA Disciplinary Commission chairman Tom Virgets, to look into the claims.

The Special Investigation Committee compiled their report after an exhaustive two-month-long investigation and it was sent to AIBA's headquarters in Switzerland yesterday (December 12).

The report concluded that the allegations were "groundless and unsupported by any credible evidence" and Wu said he was pleased that the full facts have now emerged.

"Having been sent the report yesterday by the Special Investigation Committee, I am delighted that our procedures and our integrity have stood up to the scrutiny of an independent inquiry," Wu told insidethegames.

"I met this morning with International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge to personally deliver him a copy of the final report.

"It was very important for me to share the report of the Special Investigation Committee with President Rogge as soon as I received it because this is appropriate.

"I have always maintained that have zero-tolerance approach towards corruption and I made it my job when I became President to clean the house.

"This process has given credibility to my words and has helped to show that I am a man of my word.

"But it does not stop here and we will continue to be vigilant against any sign of corruption so that everyone has trust in our sport.

"This investigation was completely independent and it has shown that the claims made by the BBC are completely unsubstantiated.

"I fully respect the rights of the free press who can make any claims that they like but I am happy that we are able to reveal to the world the whole truth of this matter.

"The full facts have now emerged and the air has been cleared."

The AIBA President also said he has "full confidence" in Khodabakhsh (pictured).

"I'm pleased that Ivan has been fully exonerated by the Special Investigation Committee," said Wu.

"The final report details how Ivan had never actually met a supposed investor, had no role in the negotiations for the investment, and in any case has no role in boxing competition at the London 2012 Olympic Games."

Wu, who is also an IOC member, appointed the independent Special Investigation Committee on September 23, 2011, as soon as a BBC programme made its allegations.

"It is important that we act quickly and decisively in any cases involving corruption," Wu added.

"Throughout my time as AIBA President, I have always made removing corruption from our sport my number one priority and I will continue to make this my number one priority for as long as I remain the President."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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