By Ronnie Nathanielsz

 

The International Boxing Association has suspended an official over 'possible attempts of manipulation' at the Beijing Olympic Games.

The AIBA said in an official statement that Romanian technical delegate Rudel Obreja faces disciplinary charges over feared interference with the make-up of the fight judging panels. 

The AIBA revealed it had learned of the possible scandal involving its own staff and competition officials, two months before the Olympics.

 

It said "a number of steps" were put into place to stamp it out.

 

The AIBA also noted that when "the situation became more serious" it also notified the IOC sports department of the problem. It said the IOC provided an independent observer to review the situation. 

  

The statement said that as "additional information regarding possible attempts of manipulation emerged the AIBA Executive Committee Bureau suspended Mr Obreja on August 22 from the competition."

 

Obreja earlier called an impromptu press conference at which he made serious allegations against senior AIBA officials.

 

The Olympics has seen several judging controversies with boxers from Algeria, France and Ireland all crying foul.

 

On Friday, Zhang Xiaoping reached the light-heavyweight final when he drew 4-4 against Kazakhstan's Yerkebulan Shynaliyev before being given the decision in another controversial fight.

 

The fight ended in a draw despite Zhang being given a point at the end of the third round that many believed should have gone to Shynaliyev.