The English Mixed Martial Arts Association (EMMAA) has taken the step of stepping away from International Mixed Martial Arts (IMMAF) tournaments and events following reported issues surrounding child safeguarding.
A statement from EMMAA detailed their position:
“Today the English Mixed Martial Arts Association are formally announcing our decision to suspend, until further notice, any and all inclusion of our athletes, staff and/or officials from all International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) tournaments and events forthwith,” the statement began.
“This decision follows on from the letter EMMAA sent on 17th April 2023 detailing disturbing reports and evidence surrounding both a major child safeguarding issue and the acute failure from IMMAF to act upon at the time of knowing.
“This decision was reached from a moral and integrity perspective and following close consultation and advice from professional legal advisors.
“Whilst we acknowledge IMMAF has historically provided great opportunities and memories for our athletes over the years, the alarming deterioration of standards at the federation have forced us to make this decision.
“It is important to acknowledge and thank the great team of volunteers and staff who worked tirelessly at IMMAF tournaments to facilitate the events. It is, in our opinion, evident that the President, CEO and board of the organization have failed the federation in both a consistent and continual manner. Furthermore, the sheer lack of any accountability and ownership is quite frankly startling.
“The issues set out and defined here within, along with written testimonies of others, has resulted in resignations of key staff, established and long-serving contractors, volunteers, officials, the suspension of Safe MMA, and the majority of the disciplinary committee, including the chair, stepping down.
“We are also aware of other National Federations’ decision to rescind inclusion from the upcoming Youth World Championships in Abu Dhabi.
“Speaking for ourselves, this decision wasn’t made easily. We recognized how this will come as a major disappointment to athletes. But we simply cannot ignore the issues set out in our correspondence.
“We hope with timely intervention and much-needed major changes in senior personnel within IMMAF, plus an overhaul and acceptance of its many failings, the Federation may have a small window of opportunity to rebuild its reputation and integrity whilst continuing its journey toward recognition.
“Ultimately, this is something that must be decided by the global member federations at either an AGM or, in this instance, a much-needed extraordinary AGM.”
The statement concluded, “EMMAA will continue to work diligently towards our own home country's recognition, acceptance, and education for the sport that many respected and revered individuals have committed decades to both building and achieving.
“In the true spirit and ethos of Mixed Martial Arts, we remain.
“The Board of the English Mixed Martial Arts Association.”
