United World Wrestling (UWW) on Thursday has started investigating former President Raphel Martinetti over large sum of donations made to him. Saying that it had not been aware of the payments, UWW said: “FILA President Raphael Martinetti and his wife have been ordered by the Swiss Government to pay tax on large sums of money given to the couple in 2010 and 2012 by unnamed persons in Azerbaijan,” a UWW statement said.
“Prior to today’s story, United World Wrestling was not aware of these payments and has contacted the Azerbaijan Wrestling Federation to gather more information.
“We are reviewing the situation to determine what occurred and if any further action is required.
“United World Wrestling is fully committed to fair play and will not tolerate unethical behaviour by members of our staff, national federations, referees, coaches, or athletes.”
Martinetti was forced to resign as FILA President in 2013, with the Swiss official’s departure coming after wrestling was recommended for removal from the Olympic programme.
Serbia’s Nenad Lalovic was appointed Acting FILA President before taking on the role on a permanent basis after ensuring the sport avoided removal from the Games.
Lalovic, who has risen to become a member of the International Olympic Committee’s Executive Board, oversaw a series of reforms, which included the governing body being renamed UWW.