WORLD FIGHTING ORGANIZATION (WFO)

WORLD FIGHTING ORGANIZATION (WFO)

STATUTE OF THE WORLD FIGHTING ORGANIZATION (WFO)

WORLD FIGHTING ORGANIZATION
WFO

PREAMBLE

We, the founding members of the World Fighting Organization (WFO),

Recognizing fighting sports as disciplines that promote physical excellence, discipline, courage, respect, responsibility, friendship and international cooperation;

Recognizing the importance of protecting the health, dignity, safety and rights of athletes;

Desiring to establish a unified international organization dedicated to the development, regulation and promotion of fighting sports;

Committed to fair play, sporting integrity, equality, transparency, good governance and respect for human dignity;

Determined to prevent doping, corruption, competition manipulation, discrimination, harassment, abuse and other conduct inconsistent with the values of sport;

Respecting the autonomy of sport and the laws applicable in each country;

Hereby establish the WORLD FIGHTING ORGANIZATION (WFO) and adopt this Statute as its fundamental governing instrument.


CHAPTER I

NAME, STATUS AND PRINCIPLES

Article 1 — Name

  1. The name of the organization shall be:

WORLD FIGHTING ORGANIZATION

  1. The official abbreviation shall be:

WFO

  1. The WFO may use an official emblem, logo, flag, anthem, insignia and other identifying marks approved by the competent WFO authority.

Article 2 — Nature of the Organization

  1. The WFO is an international, independent, non-governmental and non-profit sporting organization.
  2. The WFO shall operate independently from political parties, governmental authorities and commercial interests while maintaining appropriate cooperation with governments and recognized sporting institutions.
  3. The WFO shall be politically and religiously neutral.
  4. The WFO shall operate in accordance with the law of the jurisdiction in which it is legally established.
  5. The WFO shall have legal personality to the extent provided by applicable law.

Article 3 — Registered Office

  1. The registered office of the WFO shall be located at:

[FULL ADDRESS, CITY, COUNTRY]

  1. The registered office may be transferred in accordance with a decision of the Congress and applicable law.
  2. The WFO may establish regional, continental or representative offices where necessary.

Article 4 — Duration

The WFO shall be established for an unlimited period unless dissolved in accordance with this Statute and applicable law.


Article 5 — Fundamental Principles

The WFO shall be governed according to the following principles:

  1. Fair play;
  2. Respect;
  3. Discipline;
  4. Integrity;
  5. Athlete safety;
  6. Equality and non-discrimination;
  7. Transparency;
  8. Accountability;
  9. Democratic representation;
  10. Good governance;
  11. Sporting independence;
  12. Protection of children and vulnerable persons;
  13. Gender equality;
  14. Clean sport;
  15. International cooperation; and
  16. Respect for applicable national and international law.

CHAPTER II

PURPOSES AND OBJECTIVES

Article 6 — Purpose

The principal purpose of the WFO is to promote, develop, regulate and represent fighting sports internationally.


Article 7 — Objectives

The objectives of the WFO shall include:

  1. Developing fighting sports throughout the world.
  2. Establishing internationally recognized rules and standards.
  3. Organizing and sanctioning international competitions.
  4. Establishing World Championships and other official WFO competitions.
  5. Establishing international rankings and athlete classifications.
  6. Developing athletes, coaches, referees, judges, officials and administrators.
  7. Establishing international standards for safety and medical supervision.
  8. Protecting the physical and mental welfare of athletes.
  9. Promoting women’s participation in fighting sports.
  10. Promoting youth development while maintaining appropriate safeguarding standards.
  11. Supporting the development of fighting sports in countries and regions where they are underdeveloped.
  12. Promoting ethical and responsible conduct.
  13. Preventing doping and competition manipulation.
  14. Promoting international friendship and cooperation through sport.
  15. Supporting scientific and medical research relating to fighting sports.
  16. Representing the interests of WFO Members and athletes internationally.
  17. Cooperating with international and national sporting organizations.

CHAPTER III

POWERS OF THE WFO

Article 8 — General Powers

To fulfill its objectives, the WFO shall have the authority to:

  1. Adopt and amend international fighting-sport rules.
  2. Establish technical regulations.
  3. Establish athlete licensing systems.
  4. Establish rankings and classifications.
  5. Sanction and organize international competitions.
  6. Recognize national and regional organizations.
  7. Issue official WFO titles, certificates and licenses.
  8. Appoint international referees, judges and officials.
  9. Establish commissions and committees.
  10. Investigate violations of WFO rules.
  11. Impose disciplinary measures.
  12. Establish safeguarding and athlete-protection standards.
  13. Establish medical and safety requirements.
  14. Enter sponsorship, broadcasting and commercial agreements.
  15. Protect and license WFO intellectual property.
  16. Establish development and education programs.
  17. Establish partnerships with other sporting organizations.
  18. Take all other lawful measures necessary to achieve the objectives of the WFO.

CHAPTER IV

MEMBERSHIP

Article 9 — Members

Membership of the WFO may include:

  1. National Federations or National Organizations;
  2. Continental Organizations;
  3. Regional Organizations;
  4. Associate Members;
  5. Provisional Members;
  6. Recognized Fighting Organizations;
  7. Honorary Members; and
  8. Other organizations approved under WFO regulations.

Article 10 — National Members

  1. The WFO shall seek to recognize one principal National Member for each country.
  2. A National Member shall be responsible for administering WFO activities within its recognized national jurisdiction, subject to WFO rules.
  3. A National Member shall maintain appropriate governance, financial accountability and athlete-protection standards.

Article 11 — Admission

An organization applying for WFO membership shall:

  1. Be legally constituted or otherwise recognized under applicable national law.
  2. Demonstrate genuine activity in fighting sports.
  3. Submit its constitutional documents.
  4. Provide information regarding its governing officials.
  5. Accept the WFO Statute.
  6. Accept WFO rules and regulations.
  7. Demonstrate appropriate safeguarding measures.
  8. Agree to comply with WFO disciplinary decisions.
  9. Pay applicable membership fees.
  10. Meet any additional requirements established by WFO regulations.

Article 12 — Rights of Members

A Full Member in good standing shall have the right to:

  1. Participate in the Congress.
  2. Vote in accordance with this Statute.
  3. Nominate eligible candidates for WFO positions.
  4. Enter eligible athletes into WFO competitions.
  5. Participate in WFO development programs.
  6. Receive official WFO information.
  7. Use WFO recognition and services in accordance with applicable regulations.
  8. Exercise other rights established by the WFO.

Article 13 — Duties of Members

Members shall:

  1. Respect this Statute.
  2. Implement applicable WFO rules.
  3. Respect decisions of competent WFO bodies.
  4. Protect athletes and participants.
  5. Maintain appropriate sporting integrity standards.
  6. Pay membership and other lawful fees.
  7. Cooperate with WFO investigations.
  8. Maintain accurate records.
  9. Prevent discrimination and abuse.
  10. Ensure that their athletes and officials comply with applicable WFO rules.

Article 14 — Suspension

A Member may be provisionally or fully suspended for:

  1. Serious violation of this Statute;
  2. Serious financial misconduct;
  3. Failure to fulfill membership obligations;
  4. Manipulation of competitions;
  5. Serious safeguarding violations;
  6. Conduct damaging to the integrity of the WFO;
  7. Refusal to comply with a valid WFO decision; or
  8. Other serious misconduct established under WFO regulations.

A Member shall normally have the right to notice, an opportunity to respond and an appeal in accordance with WFO regulations.


Article 15 — Expulsion

  1. A Member may be expelled for serious or repeated violations.
  2. Expulsion shall require a two-thirds majority of the Congress unless a higher threshold is required by applicable law.
  3. An expelled Member shall have any appeal rights established by WFO regulations.

CHAPTER V

ORGANS OF THE WFO

Article 16 — Governing Bodies

The organs of the WFO shall be:

  1. The World Congress;
  2. The Executive Council;
  3. The President;
  4. The Secretary General;
  5. The Treasurer;
  6. Standing Commissions;
  7. The Ethics and Disciplinary Commission;
  8. The Appeals Commission;
  9. The Electoral Commission; and
  10. Other bodies established under this Statute.

CHAPTER VI

WORLD CONGRESS

Article 17 — Supreme Authority

  1. The World Congress is the supreme legislative authority of the WFO.
  2. The Congress shall consist of delegates of Full Members entitled to participate.
  3. Each Full Member shall have voting rights in accordance with this Statute.
  4. Congress decisions shall be binding on all WFO Members and bodies within the authority of the WFO.

Article 18 — Ordinary Congress

  1. The Ordinary Congress shall be held at least once every year.
  2. The Congress may be held physically, electronically or through a combination of methods where permitted by law.
  3. The official agenda shall be circulated to Members before the Congress.

Article 19 — Extraordinary Congress

An Extraordinary Congress may be convened by:

  1. The President;
  2. The Executive Council; or
  3. At least one-third of the voting Full Members.

The notice shall state the purpose and agenda of the Extraordinary Congress.


Article 20 — Powers of Congress

The Congress shall have authority to:

  1. Adopt and amend the Statute.
  2. Elect the President.
  3. Elect members of the Executive Council.
  4. Approve annual financial statements.
  5. Approve the annual budget.
  6. Appoint independent auditors.
  7. Determine membership fees.
  8. Approve major strategic policies.
  9. Approve the admission of Members where required.
  10. Decide on expulsion where applicable.
  11. Approve dissolution of the WFO.
  12. Exercise other powers assigned by this Statute.

Article 21 — Quorum

Unless otherwise provided, the quorum for Congress shall be more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting Full Members.

If quorum is not achieved, a reconvened Congress may proceed in accordance with the procedures established in the WFO Congress Regulations, subject to applicable law.


Article 22 — Voting

  1. Unless otherwise provided, decisions shall be adopted by a simple majority of valid votes cast.
  2. Amendments to the Statute shall require a two-thirds majority.
  3. Dissolution of the WFO shall require a three-quarters majority.
  4. Elections shall normally be conducted by secret ballot.
  5. In case of an equality of votes, the procedure established by the applicable regulations shall apply.

CHAPTER VII

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

Article 23 — Composition

The Executive Council shall consist of:

  1. President;
  2. First Vice-President;
  3. Vice-Presidents;
  4. Treasurer;
  5. Elected Council Members;
  6. Athlete Representative; and
  7. Secretary General, who may participate without voting rights unless otherwise determined.

The number of positions shall be determined by Congress.


Article 24 — Representation

The WFO shall seek balanced representation with regard to:

  1. Geographic regions;
  2. Gender;
  3. Different fighting disciplines;
  4. Athlete representation; and
  5. Development levels of Member organizations.

Article 25 — Powers of the Executive Council

The Executive Council shall:

  1. Implement decisions of Congress.
  2. Manage WFO affairs between Congresses.
  3. Approve WFO regulations.
  4. Supervise international competitions.
  5. Manage WFO administration.
  6. Supervise financial affairs.
  7. Establish commissions.
  8. Approve membership applications where authorized.
  9. Protect the integrity of WFO competitions.
  10. Develop strategic programs.
  11. Approve commercial partnerships.
  12. Perform all functions not expressly reserved for Congress or an independent WFO body.

CHAPTER VIII

PRESIDENT

Article 26 — President

The President shall:

  1. Be the official representative of the WFO.
  2. Chair Congress meetings.
  3. Chair Executive Council meetings.
  4. Provide strategic leadership.
  5. Represent the WFO internationally.
  6. Ensure implementation of this Statute.
  7. Promote cooperation between Members.
  8. Perform other functions assigned by Congress or the Executive Council.

The President shall not interfere with independent disciplinary, ethics, electoral or appeals proceedings.


Article 27 — Term of Office

  1. The term of office shall be four (4) years.
  2. The President may serve a maximum of two consecutive terms.
  3. A person who has completed the maximum number of consecutive terms may become eligible again after the period established by the Electoral Regulations, subject to applicable law.

CHAPTER IX

SECRETARY GENERAL

Article 28 — Secretary General

The Secretary General shall:

  1. Manage the day-to-day administration.
  2. Maintain official records.
  3. Implement decisions.
  4. Coordinate WFO staff.
  5. Prepare Congress and Executive Council documentation.
  6. Maintain communication with Members.
  7. Coordinate international operations.
  8. Perform other duties assigned by the Executive Council.

CHAPTER X

TREASURER AND FINANCE

Article 29 — Treasurer

The Treasurer shall:

  1. Monitor financial management.
  2. Assist in preparing the annual budget.
  3. Monitor income and expenditure.
  4. Present financial reports.
  5. Work with independent auditors.
  6. Promote appropriate financial controls.

Article 30 — Sources of Income

The financial resources of the WFO may include:

  1. Membership fees;
  2. Athlete licensing fees;
  3. Competition fees;
  4. Event sanctioning fees;
  5. Sponsorship;
  6. Broadcasting and media rights;
  7. Marketing rights;
  8. Licensing and merchandising;
  9. Donations;
  10. Grants;
  11. Educational programs; and
  12. Other lawful sources.

Article 31 — Financial Principles

  1. WFO funds shall be used exclusively to achieve the objectives of the organization.
  2. The WFO shall maintain proper accounting records.
  3. The WFO shall maintain appropriate internal financial controls.
  4. The WFO shall prepare annual financial statements.
  5. The financial statements shall be independently audited.
  6. The audited financial statements shall be submitted to Congress.

CHAPTER XI

ELECTIONS

Article 32 — Electoral Commission

  1. The WFO shall establish an independent Electoral Commission.
  2. The Electoral Commission shall supervise elections.
  3. The Electoral Commission shall establish procedures for:

a. Candidate nominations;
b. Candidate eligibility;
c. Campaign conduct;
d. Voting;
e. Ballot counting;
f. Election disputes; and
g. Publication of results.


Article 33 — Eligibility for Office

Candidates for elected WFO positions shall:

  1. Be nominated by an eligible Member or as otherwise permitted by the Electoral Regulations.
  2. Be of legal age.
  3. Demonstrate good standing.
  4. Not be subject to an applicable suspension or disqualification.
  5. Disclose relevant conflicts of interest.
  6. Meet other eligibility requirements established by Congress.

CHAPTER XII

ATHLETES

Article 34 — Athlete Rights

The WFO recognizes athletes’ right to:

  1. Fair competition.
  2. Safe sporting conditions.
  3. Equal treatment.
  4. Protection from discrimination.
  5. Protection from abuse and harassment.
  6. Appropriate medical supervision.
  7. Due process.
  8. Appeal against relevant decisions.
  9. Athlete representation.
  10. Respect for privacy and personal information.

Article 35 — Athlete Commission

  1. The WFO shall establish an Athletes Commission.
  2. The Athletes Commission shall represent athlete interests.
  3. The Commission shall advise the WFO on:

a. Athlete welfare;
b. Competition safety;
c. Competition formats;
d. Athlete rights;
e. Anti-doping;
f. Safeguarding; and
g. Other matters affecting athletes.


CHAPTER XIII

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS

Article 36 — Official Competitions

The WFO may organize, recognize or sanction:

  1. WFO World Championships;
  2. WFO World Cups;
  3. WFO Continental Championships;
  4. WFO Regional Championships;
  5. International Open Championships;
  6. Ranking tournaments;
  7. Youth Championships;
  8. Women’s Championships;
  9. Masters Championships;
  10. Para-fighting competitions where appropriate; and
  11. Other competitions approved by the WFO.

Article 37 — World Championships

  1. The WFO World Championships shall be the principal world-level competition of the organization.
  2. The Executive Council shall establish regulations concerning:

a. Qualification;
b. Eligibility;
c. Weight categories;
d. Age categories;
e. Equipment;
f. Medical requirements;
g. Officiating;
h. Competition format;
i. Anti-doping;
j. Athlete safeguarding; and
k. Awards and titles.


CHAPTER XIV

TECHNICAL AND OFFICIALS SYSTEM

Article 38 — Technical Commission

The Technical Commission shall develop and maintain:

  1. Competition rules;
  2. Technical standards;
  3. Equipment requirements;
  4. Competition formats;
  5. Weight categories;
  6. Athlete classification;
  7. Official procedures; and
  8. Technical education.

Article 39 — Referees and Judges

  1. The WFO shall establish an international system for licensing referees and judges.
  2. Officials shall be selected based on competence, integrity and independence.
  3. Officials shall comply with the WFO Code of Ethics.
  4. Officials shall not officiate where they have an undisclosed conflict of interest.

CHAPTER XV

MEDICAL AND SAFETY

Article 40 — Medical Standards

  1. Athlete health and safety shall take priority over competitive or commercial interests.
  2. WFO competitions shall maintain appropriate medical standards.
  3. Medical requirements may include:

a. Pre-competition medical examinations;
b. Qualified medical personnel;
c. Emergency medical services;
d. Ringside or venue medical supervision;
e. Injury protocols;
f. Suspension and return-to-competition procedures; and
g. Medical records where lawfully permitted.


Article 41 — Competition Safety

The WFO shall establish mandatory safety standards concerning:

  1. Venue conditions;
  2. Protective equipment;
  3. Competition surfaces;
  4. Referee intervention;
  5. Medical intervention;
  6. Emergency procedures;
  7. Athlete welfare; and
  8. Event security.

CHAPTER XVI

ANTI-DOPING

Article 42 — Anti-Doping

  1. The WFO shall maintain an anti-doping program consistent with applicable international anti-doping standards.
  2. The WFO shall establish anti-doping rules applicable to athletes, coaches, officials and other relevant persons.
  3. The WFO may cooperate with competent anti-doping organizations.
  4. Anti-doping proceedings shall respect applicable procedural safeguards and appeal rights.
  5. The WFO shall promote education and prevention programs.

CHAPTER XVII

ETHICS AND INTEGRITY

Article 43 — Code of Ethics

The WFO shall adopt a Code of Ethics addressing:

  1. Integrity;
  2. Conflicts of interest;
  3. Corruption;
  4. Bribery;
  5. Harassment;
  6. Discrimination;
  7. Abuse of authority;
  8. Competition manipulation;
  9. Betting-related misconduct;
  10. Misuse of confidential information;
  11. Retaliation;
  12. Safeguarding; and
  13. Other conduct inconsistent with WFO values.

Article 44 — Competition Manipulation

No person subject to WFO jurisdiction shall:

  1. Manipulate or attempt to manipulate a competition.
  2. Improperly influence a sporting result.
  3. Offer or accept a bribe.
  4. Participate in prohibited betting activities.
  5. Misuse inside information.
  6. Assist another person in committing such an offense.

CHAPTER XVIII

SAFEGUARDING

Article 45 — Protection of Participants

  1. The WFO shall maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward abuse and exploitation.
  2. The WFO shall protect athletes and participants from:

a. Physical abuse;
b. Sexual abuse;
c. Sexual harassment;
d. Psychological abuse;
e. Bullying;
f. Discrimination;
g. Neglect; and
h. Exploitation.

  1. Special protection shall be provided to children and vulnerable persons.
  2. The WFO shall establish confidential reporting and investigation procedures.

CHAPTER XIX

DISCIPLINARY SYSTEM

Article 46 — Ethics and Disciplinary Commission

  1. The WFO shall establish an independent Ethics and Disciplinary Commission.
  2. The Commission shall adjudicate alleged violations of:

a. This Statute;
b. WFO regulations;
c. Competition rules;
d. Code of Ethics;
e. Safeguarding rules;
f. Integrity rules; and
g. Other applicable WFO policies.


Article 47 — Sanctions

Possible sanctions may include:

  1. Warning;
  2. Reprimand;
  3. Fine;
  4. Suspension;
  5. Disqualification;
  6. Loss of points or ranking;
  7. Withdrawal of title;
  8. Withdrawal of license;
  9. Ban from competitions;
  10. Expulsion; and
  11. Other sanctions established by WFO regulations.

Article 48 — Due Process

Any person or organization subject to disciplinary proceedings shall have the right to:

  1. Receive notice of the allegation.
  2. Know the basis of the allegation.
  3. Present evidence.
  4. Present arguments.
  5. Be heard by an impartial decision-maker.
  6. Receive a reasoned decision.
  7. Exercise applicable appeal rights.

CHAPTER XX

APPEALS AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Article 49 — Appeals Commission

  1. The WFO shall establish an independent Appeals Commission.
  2. Members of the Appeals Commission shall not participate in a case in which they have a conflict of interest.
  3. Appeals shall be conducted according to procedures established by WFO regulations.

Article 50 — External Arbitration

Where permitted by applicable law and where the WFO has accepted the relevant jurisdiction, a final WFO decision may be referred to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in accordance with applicable arbitration rules.

The WFO shall respect and implement final decisions of a competent arbitral body.


CHAPTER XXI

COMMISSIONS

Article 51 — Standing Commissions

The WFO may establish:

  1. Athletes Commission;
  2. Technical Commission;
  3. Medical and Scientific Commission;
  4. Referees and Judges Commission;
  5. Coaches Commission;
  6. Youth and Development Commission;
  7. Women and Gender Equality Commission;
  8. Safeguarding Commission;
  9. Ethics and Integrity Commission;
  10. Anti-Doping Commission;
  11. Legal Commission;
  12. Finance and Audit Commission;
  13. Marketing and Commercial Commission;
  14. Communications and Media Commission; and
  15. Other commissions as required.

CHAPTER XXII

GENDER EQUALITY AND INCLUSION

Article 52 — Equality

  1. The WFO shall promote equal opportunities in fighting sports.
  2. Discrimination on the basis of race, nationality, ethnic origin, sex, gender, disability, age, social status or other protected status shall be prohibited to the extent provided by applicable law.
  3. The WFO shall promote participation of women at athlete, coaching, officiating and governance levels.

CHAPTER XXIII

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

Article 53 — Disclosure

  1. WFO officials shall act in the interests of the WFO and its sporting mission.
  2. Officials shall disclose actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest.
  3. A person with a material conflict shall not participate in a decision where their conflict could improperly influence the outcome.
  4. The WFO shall maintain a conflict-of-interest policy.

CHAPTER XXIV

TRANSPARENCY AND GOOD GOVERNANCE

Article 54 — Governance Standards

The WFO shall promote:

  1. Democratic decision-making;
  2. Financial accountability;
  3. Independent auditing;
  4. Transparent elections;
  5. Athlete representation;
  6. Gender representation;
  7. Independent disciplinary processes;
  8. Conflict-of-interest controls;
  9. Protection of whistleblowers; and
  10. Publication of appropriate governance information.

CHAPTER XXV

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Article 55 — WFO Intellectual Property

  1. The WFO shall own or control, to the extent permitted by law:

a. The WFO name;
b. WFO logo;
c. WFO emblem;
d. WFO flag;
e. WFO championship names;
f. WFO rankings;
g. Official publications;
h. Competition symbols; and
i. Other WFO intellectual property.

  1. Members and third parties may use WFO intellectual property only in accordance with WFO regulations or an appropriate license.

CHAPTER XXVI

MEDIA AND COMMERCIAL RIGHTS

Article 56 — Commercial Rights

The WFO may own, manage, license or commercialize:

  1. Broadcasting rights;
  2. Streaming rights;
  3. Sponsorship rights;
  4. Advertising rights;
  5. Marketing rights;
  6. Merchandising rights;
  7. Digital rights;
  8. Competition naming rights; and
  9. Other commercial rights.

Commercial agreements shall not compromise athlete safety, sporting integrity or the independence of WFO disciplinary bodies.


CHAPTER XXVII

FINANCIAL YEAR AND AUDIT

Article 57 — Financial Year

The financial year of the WFO shall run from 1 January to 31 December, unless otherwise determined by the Congress.


Article 58 — Independent Audit

  1. Congress shall appoint an independent auditor.
  2. The auditor shall review the annual financial statements.
  3. The auditor shall report to Congress.
  4. The auditor shall have appropriate access to WFO financial records.

CHAPTER XXVIII

REGIONAL AND CONTINENTAL ORGANIZATIONS

Article 59 — Continental Organizations

The WFO may recognize continental organizations representing:

  1. Africa;
  2. Asia;
  3. Europe;
  4. North America;
  5. South America;
  6. Central America and the Caribbean;
  7. Oceania; and
  8. Other regions as determined by Congress.

Continental organizations shall operate under the authority of the WFO and in accordance with this Statute.


CHAPTER XXIX

OFFICIAL TITLES AND AWARDS

Article 60 — World Titles

The WFO may award official:

  1. World Champion titles;
  2. Continental Champion titles;
  3. Regional Champion titles;
  4. World Cup titles;
  5. Ranking titles;
  6. Junior titles;
  7. Women’s titles;
  8. Masters titles; and
  9. Other titles approved by the Executive Council.

Article 61 — Awards

The WFO may establish awards recognizing:

  1. Athlete of the Year;
  2. Coach of the Year;
  3. Referee of the Year;
  4. Official of the Year;
  5. Federation of the Year;
  6. Development Award;
  7. Fair Play Award;
  8. Lifetime Achievement Award; and
  9. Other contributions to fighting sports.

CHAPTER XXX

AMENDMENTS

Article 62 — Amendment Procedure

  1. Amendments may be proposed by:

a. The Executive Council; or
b. At least one-third of Full Members.

  1. Proposed amendments shall be distributed to Members before Congress.
  2. Amendments shall require a two-thirds majority of valid votes cast unless a higher threshold is required by applicable law.
  3. Amendments shall enter into force according to the decision of Congress and applicable law.

CHAPTER XXXI

DISSOLUTION

Article 63 — Dissolution

  1. The WFO may be dissolved only by a Congress specifically convened for this purpose.
  2. Dissolution shall require at least three-quarters (3/4) of valid votes cast.
  3. Upon dissolution, all debts and lawful obligations shall first be satisfied.
  4. Remaining assets shall not be distributed among Members, officials or private individuals.
  5. Remaining assets shall be transferred to a non-profit sporting organization or other lawful entity with similar objectives, as determined by Congress and permitted by applicable law.

CHAPTER XXXII

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE

Article 64 — Language

  1. The official language of the WFO shall be English.
  2. The WFO may publish official documents in other languages.
  3. Unless otherwise provided by law, the English version shall prevail in case of inconsistency between official translations.

CHAPTER XXXIII

REGULATIONS

Article 65 — WFO Regulations

The Executive Council and Congress, within their respective powers, may adopt regulations necessary to implement this Statute, including:

  1. General Regulations;
  2. Competition Regulations;
  3. Technical Rules;
  4. Athlete Licensing Regulations;
  5. Ranking Regulations;
  6. Referee and Judge Regulations;
  7. Medical Regulations;
  8. Anti-Doping Rules;
  9. Disciplinary Code;
  10. Code of Ethics;
  11. Safeguarding Regulations;
  12. Electoral Regulations;
  13. Financial Regulations;
  14. Membership Regulations;
  15. Event Regulations;
  16. Appeals Regulations;
  17. Commercial Regulations; and
  18. Athlete Welfare Regulations.

CHAPTER XXXIV

HIERARCHY OF WFO RULES

Article 66 — Hierarchy

In case of conflict, the following hierarchy shall apply:

  1. Mandatory applicable law;
  2. This Statute;
  3. Regulations adopted under this Statute;
  4. Competition Rules;
  5. Technical Regulations;
  6. Administrative policies and procedures.

No regulation may contradict this Statute.


CHAPTER XXXV

FINAL PROVISIONS

Article 67 — Interpretation

  1. The Executive Council shall interpret this Statute between Congresses, except in matters reserved to an independent judicial, disciplinary or electoral body.
  2. Any interpretation shall be consistent with the purpose, principles and objectives of the WFO.
  3. Where a matter concerns an active disciplinary, ethics or appeals proceeding, the competent independent body shall determine the applicable interpretation.

Article 68 — Matters Not Provided For

Any matter not expressly provided for in this Statute shall be determined by the competent WFO body in accordance with:

  1. Applicable law;
  2. The principles of this Statute;
  3. Fairness and due process;
  4. Generally accepted principles of sports governance; and
  5. Applicable international sporting standards.

Article 69 — Entry into Force

This Statute shall enter into force upon its adoption by the Founding Congress of the World Fighting Organization.


FOUNDING DECLARATION

We, the undersigned founding representatives, hereby establish the:

WORLD FIGHTING ORGANIZATION

WFO

and adopt this Statute as the fundamental governing document of the Organization.

We commit the WFO to the principles of:

RESPECT • DISCIPLINE • INTEGRITY • SAFETY • FAIR PLAY • EQUALITY • EXCELLENCE


ADOPTION

Place: ______________________________________

Country: ____________________________________

Date: _______________________________________

Founding Congress: ___________________________


FOUNDING MEMBERS

No.CountryNational OrganizationDelegatePositionSignature
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

ANNEX A

PROPOSED WFO GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE

WORLD CONGRESS
↓
PRESIDENT
↓
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
↓
SECRETARY GENERAL / WFO ADMINISTRATION

Independent Bodies

  • Electoral Commission
  • Ethics & Disciplinary Commission
  • Appeals Commission
  • Audit / Finance Commission

Sporting Commissions

  • Athletes Commission
  • Technical Commission
  • Medical & Scientific Commission
  • Referees & Judges Commission
  • Coaches Commission
  • Youth & Development Commission
  • Women & Gender Equality Commission
  • Safeguarding Commission
  • Anti-Doping Commission
  • Legal Commission
  • Marketing & Commercial Commission
  • Communications & Media Commission

ANNEX B

PROPOSED WFO COMPETITION SYSTEM

The WFO may establish the following international competition structure:

WORLD LEVEL

WFO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

↓

WFO WORLD CUP

↓

WFO WORLD RANKING EVENTS

CONTINENTAL LEVEL

WFO CONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

  • WFO Europe
  • WFO Asia
  • WFO Africa
  • WFO North America
  • WFO South America
  • WFO Central America & Caribbean
  • WFO Oceania

NATIONAL LEVEL

WFO NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

The detailed qualification and ranking system shall be established by separate WFO Competition and Ranking Regulations.


ANNEX C

PROPOSED OFFICIAL WFO DOCUMENTS

Following adoption of this Statute, the WFO should establish the following documents:

  1. WFO General Competition Rules
  2. WFO Technical Rules
  3. WFO Rules of Fighting
  4. WFO Weight Categories
  5. WFO Athlete Licensing Regulations
  6. WFO World Ranking Regulations
  7. WFO Referee & Judge Regulations
  8. WFO Coach Regulations
  9. WFO Medical & Safety Regulations
  10. WFO Anti-Doping Rules
  11. WFO Code of Ethics
  12. WFO Disciplinary Code
  13. WFO Safeguarding Policy
  14. WFO Electoral Regulations
  15. WFO Financial Regulations
  16. WFO Membership Regulations
  17. WFO Event Sanctioning Regulations
  18. WFO Appeals Regulations
  19. WFO Commercial & Sponsorship Regulations
  20. WFO Athlete Rights & Welfare Policy
  21. WFO Continental Organization Regulations
  22. WFO Officials Licensing Regulations
  23. WFO Championship Regulations
  24. WFO Anti-Corruption & Integrity Policy

FINAL FOUNDING STATEMENT

The World Fighting Organization (WFO) shall serve as an international governing body dedicated to the responsible development of fighting sports.

Its authority shall be exercised with respect for athletes, Members, officials, coaches, referees, judges, organizers and all participants.

The WFO shall seek to ensure that fighting sports are practiced in an environment characterized by:

Safety.
Integrity.
Respect.
Discipline.
Equality.
Fair Competition.
International Unity.

END OF STATUTE

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