Aiba kicks judges and referees out of Rio 2016 following controversial boxing decisions

The world amateur boxing federation Aiba has expelled a number of judges and referees in the wake of hugely controversial decisions at Rio 2016. Irish boxer Michael Conlan called the federation "cheating b******s" following his defeat to Russian fighter Vladimir Nikitin on Tuesday 16 August, despite appearing to dominate their bantamweight quarter-final bout.

That followed another contentious decision on Monday where Russian heavyweight Evgeny Tishchenko was awarded victory in his final against Vassiliy Levit of Kazakhstan, a decision that saw the 25-year-old booed by those in attendance at the Riocentro arena as he received his gold medal.

The governing body has now issued a statement confirming judges and referees involved in a "handful" of unspecified bouts have been sent home. The results of the fights in question will stand, however.

"Following recent judging decisions and after carrying out a thorough examination by the relevant Commission, Aiba has decided to take immediate and appropriate actions.

"Since the beginning of the Olympic Hames, Aiba has conducted 239 bouts. The Aiba R&J Commission has reviewed all decisions and determined that less than a handful of the decisions were not at the level expected and consequently it has been decided in according with the Aiba R&J evaluation committee that the concerned referees and judges will no longer officiate at the Rio 2016 Olympic Hames. In accordance with AibaRules the result of all the bouts will stand."

Following this week's controversies, a senior official from Aiba told the Guardian "corruption is alive and well" in Rio, calling for Aiba's president CK Wu and all of his administration and officials involved to resign.

Aiba's statement warns however unsubstantiated allegations of corruption will be met with legal action.

"With regard to corruption, we would like to strongly restate that unless tangible proof is put forward, not rumours, we will continue to use any means, including legal or disciplinary actions to protect our sport and its R&J community whose integrity is constantly put into question. The organisation will not be deterred by subjective judgements made by discounted parties. We welcome all parties to come forward and provide evidence in order to take appropriate and immediate action."