Dear Board Members and IMMAF Federations,
We hope this letter finds you well. We, as Italian Federation, are writing to you today with a deep concern for the current state of affairs within our organization. We, as members, have recently been called upon to vote for the expulsion of the Vice President and the Honorary
President. However, we feel compelled to express our dismay at the lack of timely documentation provided and the absence of a disciplinary committee review prior to the voting process. These actions are in direct violation of our organization’s statutes.
In matters as serious as these, it is essential that all parties involved have the opportunity to present their case and that a thorough investigation takes place. Rushing into decisions without proper examination and due process only undermines the integrity of our
organization. We must remember that we are a united body and that it is crucial to remain united, refraining from excluding any member at this stage. Otherwise, we risk playing into the hands of opportunistic outsiders who seek to exploit our difficulties.
There is an additional issue that needs to be addressed, namely the lack of clarity regarding which members have the right to vote in this EGM. It is crucial that we establish a clear understanding of the voting eligibility criteria to ensure a fair and democratic process. Without proper clarification, there is a risk of excluding certain members or allowing individuals without the necessary authority to cast their votes.
Therefore, we urge the board to reconsider the current voting process and take the necessary steps to rectify the violations of our statutes.
The recent conflicts within the board, coupled with a lack of transparency in communication to the members and the overall state of the federation, have led me to believe that there is only one viable solution to safeguard of IMMAF. It is our sincere belief that the board should consider relinquishing its mandate. Given the internal conflicts and the detrimental impact they have on the federation’s functioning, it is
clear that a fresh start is needed. By stepping down collectively, the board members would pave the way for a new era of transparency, accountability, and unity within our organization.
In order to ensure a smooth transition and to maintain impartiality, I propose that an independent external commissioner be appointed to guide the federation towards the next elections. This commissioner would solely assume responsibility for overseeing the day-today operations of the federation and guiding us through the electoral process. Importantly, this individual would serve as a neutral figure, devoid of any prior allegiances or biases, and possess the necessary expertise to steer the organization in the right direction. The appointment of an external commissioner would serve multiple purposes. Firstly, it would restore the faith and trust of the members in the federation, as an independent figure would be seen as a beacon of integrity and fairness.
Secondly, it would ensure that the upcoming elections are conducted in a transparent and unbiased manner, allowing for a level
playing field for all candidates. Lastly, it would provide an opportunity for the board to take a step back, reflect on the internal conflicts, and work towards resolving them, without the burden of leadership responsibilities. These actions are not only crucial for the well-being of our organization, but also for the progress we have made in our journey towards recognition by SportAccord.
The lack of transparency and internal conflicts not only tarnish our reputation but also hinder our chances of being acknowledged as a reputable sports federation. By taking the necessary steps to address these issues, we can demonstrate our commitment to good governance and ethical practices, which are essential for our path towards SportAccord recognition. We understand that this proposal may seem drastic, but we firmly believe that it is the only way to restore harmony and effectiveness within our organization. By making this difficult decision, we can pave the way for a brighter future, where our federation can thrive and serve its members with utmost dedication.
We urge each and every one of you to carefully consider this proposal and the long-term benefits it holds for our organization. Together, we have the power to initiate positive change and rebuild our federation on a foundation of transparency, unity, and trust. Let us put aside
our differences and work towards a shared vision of a stronger and more prosperous organization.
Thank you for your attention to this matter, and We look forward to hearing your thoughtsand insights on this important issue.
Sincerely,
Vito Paolillo
Vice President of FIGMMA
MMA Team Manager FEDERKOMBAT
Members of IMMAF from Italy
Saverio Longo
President of FIGMMA
MMA Technical Director FEDERKOM