[London. 4 February 2019] Today IMMAF- WMMAA received the outcome of its application for Observer Status from the Global Association of International Sports Federations: Regrettably the GAISF Council has decided not to grant Observer Status to the world governing body for MMA (mixed martial arts) at this time.
Observer Status forms a marker on the pathway to official sport recognition, which is referred to by governments worldwide and gives greater powers to a sport organisation to regulate its sport. Further to that, only GAISF recognised sports may apply to feature in the Olympic programme.
IMMAF - WMMAA, CEO Densign White, commented:
"Unfortunately it was not the decision we had expected or wanted. A lot of work has gone into the application and this is very disappointing. The rejection letter from GAISF does not give any explanation either as to how or why they arrived at this verdict, and we are seeking further information. This is not the end of the story. We will continue to fight for our place in the wider community of sports and we will be reapplying as soon as possible."
/ENDS
About IMMAF:
The International Mixed Martial Arts Federation is the international democratic governing body for the sport of MMA, representing stakeholders worldwide. Founded from within the MMA community for the MMA community, the purpose of the IMMAF is to protect and further the development, recognition and regulation of the sport through its family of 80+ non-profit, democratic, national federations. IMMAF hosts elite, nations amateur MMA tournaments and is working for Olympic recognition. immaf.org
About WMMAA:
The World MMA Association was founded to provide unbiased structure and guardrail the growth of MMA as the official world governing body for Mixed Martial Arts. A non-profit organization founded in 2012, WMMAA's mission was to develop a standardized and regulated organization, including competition, training, officiating, testing and growth when necessary. More than 50 countries were granted WMMAA membership. In 2018 WMMAA merged with the IMMAF. wmmaa.org
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