Tamás Aján after 43 years has resigned as President of the IWF- International Weightlifting Federation.
Aján has been involved with IWF since 1976. He became the President in 2000, prior to which he was the IWF general secretary for 24 years.
Earlier in January, the 81 year old Ajan from Hungary was accused by a German television documentary of corruption 10 years ago, relating to alleged financial malpractice and also anti-doping procedures. He has denied the allegations.
According to the IWF press release:
During an online meeting, the IWF Executive Board today approved the retirement of Tamas Ajan,
“The IWF thanks Tamas Ajan for more than four decades of service to weightlifting, and most notably for his work in recent years to ensure an anti-doping programme which meets the standards of the IOC and WADA is in place,” said IWF Acting President Ursula Papandrea. “We can now begin the work of determining a fresh path towards achieving the full potential of our sport.”
As part of his retirement, Ajan has tendered his resignation from the position of IWF President with immediate effect.
The IWF Executive Board notes that an independent investigation by Professor Richard McLaren is currently ongoing, examining allegations made by ARD (German Television) and related issues.
“I offered the best of my life to our beloved sport,” said Ajan. “When health circumstances related to the pandemic allow, holding elections would enable a new generation to start work as soon as possible on ensuring a bright future for the sport we love.”
The IWF Executive Board meeting will continue as it considers both the Olympic Qualifying System and IWF governance matters.
“In these difficult and uncertain times, the IWF is determined to provide clarity over qualifying for the postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympics to weightlifters everywhere,” continued Papandrea. “Our athletes are our first priority and they are currently facing significant challenges and disruption. We therefore want to ease the burden on them and ensure that we are providing them with further details about how we will deliver a safe and fair qualification process.”
