The inevitable plunging plight that Amateur Boxing Association of England (ABAE) has lurched into has taken a very serious turn.
Formal notice has been given by Solicitor Stephen Beverley, Cliftons, has issued proceedings in the Mayor’s and City of London Court on behalf of James DeGale MBE and Tony Jeffries against the Amateur Boxing Association of England Limited in respect of the nonpayment of bonuses agreed and due to be paid to the British Olympic boxers.Weeks back Mr. Beverley acting for James DeGale and Tony Jeffries warned ABAE that if they did not pay the boxers there would be legal proceedings.
ABAE ignored this alert and despite being given an extension of time to pay the money they chose to take no notice and inevitably allow accusations of neglect to arise.
Stephen Beverley in a written statement said:
"Cliftons Solicitors have issued proceedings in the Mayor's and City of London Court on behalf of James DeGale MBE and Tony Jeffries against the Amateur Boxing Association of England Limited in respect of bonuses agreed and due to be paid to the Beijing Olympic Boxing Champions James DeGale MBE – gold and Tony Jeffries – bronze.
"Despite repeated requests ABAofE have failed pay these bonuses nor have they provided any cogent excuse for their inaction.
“These Olympians have nothing but respect for their trainers and supporters within the ABAE and the public at large and wish amateur boxing and the Elite Team all success in the World and Commonwealth Championships and especially the 2112 Olympics
"The ABAE unequivocally agreed to pay bonuses to the fighters if they were successful. They were and the bonuses were confirmed and promised at the Olympics.
"However, when these were subsequently asked for the ABAE refused to pay without excuse and have done nothing but prevaricate since. My clients have no idea why these monies have not been paid but suspect that this is something to do with the internal politics and problems currently faced by the ABAE.
"The ABAE should pay without further delay or face the consequences of these proceedings and the Judgement that will inevitably follow.”
"There is no ambiguity in the lawyer’s statement. It is, as it should be transparently clear."
ABAE has been floundering for some time in strormy seas but by the use of the flimsy barricade of inertness they have managed to keep afloat but there comes a time when responsibility has to be faced.
When a lawyer with the capability of Stephen Beverley is in the opposite corner the merry-go-round stops. To quote a boxing term, There is nowhere to hide.' It's high noon.
The legal costs clock is now ticking loudly and like the second hand of a ringside timekeeper's watch iy moves deliberate in fast forward movement.
The Voice of Boxing has asked for some time for an assurance set out in a apublic statement from ABAE and Sport England that ABAE Limited is solvent, which is a situation demanded by the Registrar of Companies
Despite these requests no information has been forthcoming and yet serious taxpayer’s money is involved.
With formal information on the solvency of ABAE absent speculation is bound to take place and now that ABAE is due in court to answer a writ for the non payment of Olympic bonuses amounting to £30,000 there is legal responsibility on ABAE Ltd. directors to ensure ABAE is trading in a solvent state or they leave themselves open to possible criminal action and personal liability.
ABAE was appointed as the National Governing Body (NGB) for boxing in England by civil servants, whose knowledge of boxing is questionable,
This court action by Olympic boxing heroes has to be seriously embarrassing for those responsible for making this flawed judgement.
Further serious matters including statements by a director of ABAE who recently tendered his resignation are further cause for concern.
THEREFORE, WITHOUT FURTHER DELAY SPORT ENGLAND HAS A DUTY TO ISSUE A PUBLIC STATEMENT DETAILING WHETHER OR NOT TAXPAYER’S MONEY ADVANCED BY THEM TO ABAE IS SAFEGUARDED AND LAWS RELATED TO SOLVENCY THAT BIND A LIMITED COMPANY ARE NOT BREACHED. ~
