STATEMENT
August 23,2019
After the recent statements of other IFs, the WRL has to make clear the following:
- WRL is not a rival Organisation to any other IF.
- WRL application to GAISF/SportAccord had as main aim to strengthen the recognition of Rugby League as a different sport.
- The only legal and recognised by their "National Highest Sporting Authorities" Rugby League organisations in Italy and Greece, are the "LIRFL" (CONI) and the "RL Committee of the HFMP" (Ministry of Culture and Sports).
- WRL is not "guided", influenced or "controled" by any other IF or any other Organisation.
- WRL does not consider Rugby Union, Tag, Touch, American Football or any other sport as enemies or rivals. We are all parts of the international sports' community and we must cooperate for the benefit of the Athletes.
- WRL is against any "ad hominem" attack towards any individual, regarding IFs policies.
After the recent statements of other IFs, the WRL has to make clear the following:
- WRL is not a rival Organisation to any other IF.
- WRL application to GAISF/SportAccord had as main aim to strengthen the recognition of Rugby League as a different sport.
- The only legal and recognised by their "National Highest Sporting Authorities" Rugby League organisations in Italy and Greece, are the "LIRFL" (CONI) and the "RL Committee of the HFMP" (Ministry of Culture and Sports).
- WRL is not "guided", influenced or "controled" by any other IF or any other Organisation.
- WRL does not consider Rugby Union, Tag, Touch, American Football or any other sport as enemies or rivals. We are all parts of the international sports' community and we must cooperate for the benefit of the Athletes.
- WRL is against any "ad hominem" attack towards any individual, regarding IFs policies.
NEW HEADQUARTERS
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After the April 2019 meeting of the Board of Directors, the WRL decided to move its headquarters to Islamabad Pakistan, in order to help the development of the sport in Asia.
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Board of Directors elected in 2018 World Rugby League Congress
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New members, more international matches in 2019
WRL plan to organise more internationals in 2019, as new countries applied for joining us. "We need more matches, as our sport has to become global. Rugby League should be played everywere" said the WRL Secretary General. During the 2018 Congress, the agenda included the expancion in Asia, where four countries could form a Continental Cup. The WRL vice-president commented: "There are many people interested in the sport in Asia. We have to help them get organised and play domestic and international matches. We have been connected with institutions in the region and we expect further development".
The majority of the Members were re-elected as their term is considered as successful. The Congress was the first after the initial procedure that took place in Florence and Athens, two years ago. The directors were proposed and elected by the Members’ delegates in a democratic procedure, following the WRL provisions.
"A warm welcome to all new members. We shall live great moments in 2019". WRL President, stated.
The majority of the Members were re-elected as their term is considered as successful. The Congress was the first after the initial procedure that took place in Florence and Athens, two years ago. The directors were proposed and elected by the Members’ delegates in a democratic procedure, following the WRL provisions.
"A warm welcome to all new members. We shall live great moments in 2019". WRL President, stated.
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Development Committee, meets in Athens
The W.R.L. Development Committee met in Athens at Aplil 5, 2018, in odrer to organise the next steps of the Confederation.
The President informed the Committee about applications from new countries and about communication with international Organisations. ViceChair presented the plan for the Asian expansion and Secretary informed about meetings and directions with the Olympic Committee and other organisations. Development Manager took the responcibility of rules updates.
The Committee organised also the next Board Meeting.
The President informed the Committee about applications from new countries and about communication with international Organisations. ViceChair presented the plan for the Asian expansion and Secretary informed about meetings and directions with the Olympic Committee and other organisations. Development Manager took the responcibility of rules updates.
The Committee organised also the next Board Meeting.
Government of Pakistan Supports "Pakistan Rugby League"
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Discussions about the 2018 RL 9's International Cup
Pierluigi Gentile, President of Lega Italia Rugby Football League in deep discussion with Kashif Khwaja, Captain of Pakistan Rugby League about World Rugby League’s planned World 9 aside event in 2018.
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Statement from the Italian Ambassador to Islamabad
We received from the ambassador in Pakistan Stefano Pontecorvo and gladly publish
Pierluigi Gentile commented:
Un ringraziamento particolare al console Italiano in Pakistan STEFANO PONTECORVO, che si è prodigato con tanto altruismo e solidarietà per aiutare con la sua presenza l'integrazione tra due nazionali di rugby League, quella Pakistana e Italiana Oltremodo per la cena di gala offerta alle due Nazionali nel consolato Italiano. Grazie per averci dato sostegno. Persone come lei onorano la patria di appartenenza.
Ikram Butt commented:
Excellent response to those who have been misled by the RLIF / RLEF / RLF and the Australian Italian set up all these years by his Excellency, Stefano Pontecorvo, the Italian Ambassador to Pakistan. On the contrary to what they say, Lega Italia Rugby Football League is the only Rugby League national team recognised by the Italian Sports governing body, Lega helped Pakistan to create history when the two great nations played at the World Famous Jinnah Stadium for the Tariq Niazi Trophy.
Un ringraziamento particolare al console Italiano in Pakistan STEFANO PONTECORVO, che si è prodigato con tanto altruismo e solidarietà per aiutare con la sua presenza l'integrazione tra due nazionali di rugby League, quella Pakistana e Italiana Oltremodo per la cena di gala offerta alle due Nazionali nel consolato Italiano. Grazie per averci dato sostegno. Persone come lei onorano la patria di appartenenza.
Ikram Butt commented:
Excellent response to those who have been misled by the RLIF / RLEF / RLF and the Australian Italian set up all these years by his Excellency, Stefano Pontecorvo, the Italian Ambassador to Pakistan. On the contrary to what they say, Lega Italia Rugby Football League is the only Rugby League national team recognised by the Italian Sports governing body, Lega helped Pakistan to create history when the two great nations played at the World Famous Jinnah Stadium for the Tariq Niazi Trophy.
Statement from director Marco Tarducci
REGALA AMORE
La Nazionale di rugby Italiana a 13 che domani a ISLAMABAD affronta il PAKISTAN in una terra martoriata dalla guerra, qui la gente vive costantemente con la paura di attacchi terroristici. Le nostre guardie del corpo sono state gentilmente concesse dal governo pakistano, sentiamo la paura di questi luoghi quando la POLICE ci scorta armata fino ai denti. In PAKISTAN lo sport non si ferma, il criket è lo sport nazionale muove tanta gente a praticarlo, e anche per le vie di ISLAMABAD si vedono ragazzi incrociare le mazze da gioco e improvvisare scenicamente stadi immaginari dove forse uno di loro un giorno potrà giocare. Qui la classe povera dignitosamente riesce a crearsi una famiglia, praticare l`Islam, ma non trova il tempo per fare altro se non vedere lo sport. La classe medio alta accede a tutto, e pratica tutte le contraddizioni del rigore che l`Islam persegue.
La NAZIONALE Italiana a XIII quella riconosciuta dal Coni e dalla FIR che a dispetto di quella a 15 (in cui tra sponsor, diritti, elargizioni Coni può contare su un bilancio che gli consente di fare propaganda e organizzare tutto quanto serve per partecipare a tornei), non percepisce un solo centesimo da nessun istituzione: tutto quanto serve per sostenere il movimento viene dal auto tassazione del consiglio direttivo, dalla capacità di trovare sponsor, dal legame che ha saputo creare con le varie Nazionali del mondo. Il lavoro del Presidente Pierluigi Gentile fa` da collane a tutto il movimento, che viaggia nonostante tante difficoltà, in sinergia con il credo: soltanto una grande passione può generare un grande movimento, e chi da la sua opera non deve percepire alcun soldo se non il rimborso delle spese vive.
Domani ragazzi italiani, della Nazionale di rugby a 13, lontani dai riflettori dei media, difenderanno il THE TARIQ NIAZI TROPHY, l`orgoglio di indossare la maglia della loro Nazionale, loro che non percepiscono alcun compenso economico, se non la passione che li contraddistingue quella di far parte della Nazionale Italiana.
Questa partita esprime più di un valore oltre a quello sportivo, un valore di solidarietà per un popolo in continua sofferenza, un valore di solidarietà per tutti i bambini Pakistani che sognano di giocare un giorno con la maglia della loro Nazionale. Domani lo stadio sarà pieno di bambini, oltre 20.000, per far loro dimenticare per 80 minuti il dramma della guerra, della guerriglia urbana, e per vederli gioire e tifare lo sport senza differenze, senza confini. E per poco tempo un gesto di sport, con un pallone ovale di grande carica emotiva e grande amore, li stringera` tutti in un abbraccio che la nostra Nazionale, e la Nazionale Pakistana sapra` loro regalare.
Auguro domani alla nazionale di rugby a 13 e a 15 una grande giornata di sport nella consapevolezza che questi ragazzi sapranno a loro modo trasmettere una grande gioia, una grande passione. Comunque vada, forza Azzurri.
MARCO TARDUCCI
La Nazionale di rugby Italiana a 13 che domani a ISLAMABAD affronta il PAKISTAN in una terra martoriata dalla guerra, qui la gente vive costantemente con la paura di attacchi terroristici. Le nostre guardie del corpo sono state gentilmente concesse dal governo pakistano, sentiamo la paura di questi luoghi quando la POLICE ci scorta armata fino ai denti. In PAKISTAN lo sport non si ferma, il criket è lo sport nazionale muove tanta gente a praticarlo, e anche per le vie di ISLAMABAD si vedono ragazzi incrociare le mazze da gioco e improvvisare scenicamente stadi immaginari dove forse uno di loro un giorno potrà giocare. Qui la classe povera dignitosamente riesce a crearsi una famiglia, praticare l`Islam, ma non trova il tempo per fare altro se non vedere lo sport. La classe medio alta accede a tutto, e pratica tutte le contraddizioni del rigore che l`Islam persegue.
La NAZIONALE Italiana a XIII quella riconosciuta dal Coni e dalla FIR che a dispetto di quella a 15 (in cui tra sponsor, diritti, elargizioni Coni può contare su un bilancio che gli consente di fare propaganda e organizzare tutto quanto serve per partecipare a tornei), non percepisce un solo centesimo da nessun istituzione: tutto quanto serve per sostenere il movimento viene dal auto tassazione del consiglio direttivo, dalla capacità di trovare sponsor, dal legame che ha saputo creare con le varie Nazionali del mondo. Il lavoro del Presidente Pierluigi Gentile fa` da collane a tutto il movimento, che viaggia nonostante tante difficoltà, in sinergia con il credo: soltanto una grande passione può generare un grande movimento, e chi da la sua opera non deve percepire alcun soldo se non il rimborso delle spese vive.
Domani ragazzi italiani, della Nazionale di rugby a 13, lontani dai riflettori dei media, difenderanno il THE TARIQ NIAZI TROPHY, l`orgoglio di indossare la maglia della loro Nazionale, loro che non percepiscono alcun compenso economico, se non la passione che li contraddistingue quella di far parte della Nazionale Italiana.
Questa partita esprime più di un valore oltre a quello sportivo, un valore di solidarietà per un popolo in continua sofferenza, un valore di solidarietà per tutti i bambini Pakistani che sognano di giocare un giorno con la maglia della loro Nazionale. Domani lo stadio sarà pieno di bambini, oltre 20.000, per far loro dimenticare per 80 minuti il dramma della guerra, della guerriglia urbana, e per vederli gioire e tifare lo sport senza differenze, senza confini. E per poco tempo un gesto di sport, con un pallone ovale di grande carica emotiva e grande amore, li stringera` tutti in un abbraccio che la nostra Nazionale, e la Nazionale Pakistana sapra` loro regalare.
Auguro domani alla nazionale di rugby a 13 e a 15 una grande giornata di sport nella consapevolezza che questi ragazzi sapranno a loro modo trasmettere una grande gioia, una grande passione. Comunque vada, forza Azzurri.
MARCO TARDUCCI
Press Conference in Islamabad, Pakistan
Nov.16, 2017
Excellent press conference which was really well organised by the Pakistan RL as they host Lega Italia Rugby Foootball League in this weekends historic game for the Tariq Niazi Trophy.
Chair of Pakistan Rugby League, Fareed Khan, President of Lega Italia, Pierluigi Gentile and Ikram Butt, president of BARA.
Excellent press conference which was really well organised by the Pakistan RL as they host Lega Italia Rugby Foootball League in this weekends historic game for the Tariq Niazi Trophy.
Chair of Pakistan Rugby League, Fareed Khan, President of Lega Italia, Pierluigi Gentile and Ikram Butt, president of BARA.
WRL opens bid procedure for 2018 World Cup
WRL opened the bid procedure for the WRL 9's World Cup, planned to take place in 2018.
Six nations have already applied to participate in the World Cup, while four more are in talks with the WRL Board.
Two Nations have expressed their intentions to host the World Cup and now that the procedure oppened, they will have to apply officially.
The World Cup committee are optimistic about the tournament although some of the Federations are in their first steps and are still organising themselves under the new international umbrella of WRL.
Six nations have already applied to participate in the World Cup, while four more are in talks with the WRL Board.
Two Nations have expressed their intentions to host the World Cup and now that the procedure oppened, they will have to apply officially.
The World Cup committee are optimistic about the tournament although some of the Federations are in their first steps and are still organising themselves under the new international umbrella of WRL.
WORLD RUGBY LEAGUE ORGANIZATION POSE THE QUESTIONS
Press Release 9/7/2017.
The current growth strategies of international Rugby League have been bought into question by the formation of a fledgling global federation dedicated to promoting debate about the future of the 13-a-side code.
The World Rugby League, started in 2016 by representatives of the sport from Greece, Italy, Pakistan, UK, Argentina, Brasil and more, recently presented its credentials to the Switzerland-based SportAccord/GAISF (Global Association of International Sport Federations).
Recently appointed WRL President and head of Rugby League in Greece Tasos Pantazidis commented: “The globalization of Rugby League, has always been one of the most crucial institutional issues about our great sport.
“New and emerging nations taking up the sport are increasingly calling for serious steps forward in the recognition of Rugby League from International Organizations like SportAccord and the International Olympic Committee. The WRL is a platform for that debate.
“A growing number of national Rugby League governing bodies, fully recognised by their own individual national sporting authorities, have opted to align themselves with the WRL due to our approach to the development and growth of the sport.
“We were invited by SportAccord for talks about the recognition procedure and the feedback so far has been outstanding. Unfortunately no such dialogue is taking place with the other established international Rugby League body (RLIF) and this will affect the integrity of our sport going forward,” added Tasos, one of three key players on the WRL board together with Secretary General Pierluigi Gentile from Italy and Vice President Ikram Butt, the first Muslim to play international Rugby League for England as well as being a Pakistan rugby union international.
Tasos went on: “Rugby League deserves to be recognized and a new vision about the future of the sport is now clear.
“The first key factor is the rivalry issue. We believe Rugby League representatives have to find common ground with rugby union. We fully understand the controversial nature of this strategy but it makes complete sense on so many levels. It is the ‘elephant in the room’ that stands in the way of real growth and development of Rugby League.
“We cannot turn back the clock to the 1890s. We must deal with the current context and many of our sport’s governing bodies are finding barriers in their way due to existing allegiances adopted by other League governing bodies.
“The second big issue is that we need to understand that the current approach of putting some names and flags on the map is not the way forward. This is a short sighted and shallow platform for growth that is alienating many within our sport.
“SportAccord / GAISF calls for national governing bodies (NGBs) to be recognized by their own national Highest Sports Authorities (Olympic Committees or Ministry).
“There are numerous cases where groups of people claim that they have Federations or Associations but in practice, they are not recognized by anyone.
“In these cases people have to understand that recognition by the National Highest Sporting Authorities is the most important issue. In order to be recognized Rugby League must have 40 recognized NGBs and we all know that it hasn’t.
“In conclusion the WRL realize that co-operation and the strengthening of the domestic game are the most important factors in the future of our sport.
“We must follow the examples set by the most popular sports internationally and copy their practices of equality, fairness, justice and expansion. Rugby League cannot be allowed to exist in sporting isolation, cut off from valuable resources and organisations.
“We need the debate to happen with all parties and believe the WRL is a good vehicle to achieve that, ” concluded Tasos.
The current growth strategies of international Rugby League have been bought into question by the formation of a fledgling global federation dedicated to promoting debate about the future of the 13-a-side code.
The World Rugby League, started in 2016 by representatives of the sport from Greece, Italy, Pakistan, UK, Argentina, Brasil and more, recently presented its credentials to the Switzerland-based SportAccord/GAISF (Global Association of International Sport Federations).
Recently appointed WRL President and head of Rugby League in Greece Tasos Pantazidis commented: “The globalization of Rugby League, has always been one of the most crucial institutional issues about our great sport.
“New and emerging nations taking up the sport are increasingly calling for serious steps forward in the recognition of Rugby League from International Organizations like SportAccord and the International Olympic Committee. The WRL is a platform for that debate.
“A growing number of national Rugby League governing bodies, fully recognised by their own individual national sporting authorities, have opted to align themselves with the WRL due to our approach to the development and growth of the sport.
“We were invited by SportAccord for talks about the recognition procedure and the feedback so far has been outstanding. Unfortunately no such dialogue is taking place with the other established international Rugby League body (RLIF) and this will affect the integrity of our sport going forward,” added Tasos, one of three key players on the WRL board together with Secretary General Pierluigi Gentile from Italy and Vice President Ikram Butt, the first Muslim to play international Rugby League for England as well as being a Pakistan rugby union international.
Tasos went on: “Rugby League deserves to be recognized and a new vision about the future of the sport is now clear.
“The first key factor is the rivalry issue. We believe Rugby League representatives have to find common ground with rugby union. We fully understand the controversial nature of this strategy but it makes complete sense on so many levels. It is the ‘elephant in the room’ that stands in the way of real growth and development of Rugby League.
“We cannot turn back the clock to the 1890s. We must deal with the current context and many of our sport’s governing bodies are finding barriers in their way due to existing allegiances adopted by other League governing bodies.
“The second big issue is that we need to understand that the current approach of putting some names and flags on the map is not the way forward. This is a short sighted and shallow platform for growth that is alienating many within our sport.
“SportAccord / GAISF calls for national governing bodies (NGBs) to be recognized by their own national Highest Sports Authorities (Olympic Committees or Ministry).
“There are numerous cases where groups of people claim that they have Federations or Associations but in practice, they are not recognized by anyone.
“In these cases people have to understand that recognition by the National Highest Sporting Authorities is the most important issue. In order to be recognized Rugby League must have 40 recognized NGBs and we all know that it hasn’t.
“In conclusion the WRL realize that co-operation and the strengthening of the domestic game are the most important factors in the future of our sport.
“We must follow the examples set by the most popular sports internationally and copy their practices of equality, fairness, justice and expansion. Rugby League cannot be allowed to exist in sporting isolation, cut off from valuable resources and organisations.
“We need the debate to happen with all parties and believe the WRL is a good vehicle to achieve that, ” concluded Tasos.
IMPORTANT MEETING WITH SPORTACCORD / GAISF IN LAUSANNE
The delegation of the World Rugby League World Rugby League, the World Rugby League In Lausanne, Switzerland.
The delagation, consisted of the President of the HFMoP, Tasos Pantazidis, Ikram Butt (Legend of the English Rugby League and President of BARA) and the President of the Italian Liga, Mr. Piruluji Gentile, met with leaders of the World Confederation of World Sports Federations (GAISF / SportAccord) , following an invitation by President Bowman and the Council.
A workshop was held in Lausanne on applicants for recognition from the World Organization. The presentation was attended by representatives of WRL along with representatives of other world Federations who have applied for recognition. In the process the chair of WRL participated with questions to GAISF , clarifying issues that are part of our sport.
The workshop followed the next day's one-to-one meeting of the Commission examining new members' requests with applicants (including WRLs) where information was exchanged and the recognition process discussed.
The International Rugby League has been trying for several years to be recognized without success. This unfortunately places our sport on the same footing as other non-recognized international sports. The WRL was found to reinforce the international recognition effort and is pleased with the process and meetings, expressing moderate optimism for the follow-up.
The most important points that have emerged are the two of the first stage for recognition.
The first is the absence or the existence of a dispute over the autonomy of the sport with another recognized federation. Rugby League has been in a constant confrontation for over 100 years with Rugby Union, which is recognized by GAISF and opposes it. WRL representatives believe that the sport does not fit in this type of rivalry and we need to take another kind of "non-war" approach from our side.
The second important step is the existence of forty (40) National Federations recognized by the National Olympic Committees or the Highest Sports' Authority of every country. Unfortunately, no international Federation of Rugby League has achieved this goal up to now. On the contrary, there are people claiming in different countries that they represent the sport although they have no recognition in their countries. For example, in Italy, LIRFL is recognized by the Olympic Committee of Italy, while in Greece HFMoP is recognized for Rugby League by the Ministry of Culture and Sports. Both cases are acceptable to GAISF. Unfortunately, however, in both countries as an example, other legal entities also operate, without the recognition GAISF asks for, and they create confusion in the sport. This is something that must be perceived by everyone and everyone has to meet the demands of the process.
The Bureau of the WRL expresses its optimism about the follow-up and has already sent letters to international bodies of our sport so that all those who are truly interested can accept the hand of friendship and cooperation for the good of the sport.
The delagation, consisted of the President of the HFMoP, Tasos Pantazidis, Ikram Butt (Legend of the English Rugby League and President of BARA) and the President of the Italian Liga, Mr. Piruluji Gentile, met with leaders of the World Confederation of World Sports Federations (GAISF / SportAccord) , following an invitation by President Bowman and the Council.
A workshop was held in Lausanne on applicants for recognition from the World Organization. The presentation was attended by representatives of WRL along with representatives of other world Federations who have applied for recognition. In the process the chair of WRL participated with questions to GAISF , clarifying issues that are part of our sport.
The workshop followed the next day's one-to-one meeting of the Commission examining new members' requests with applicants (including WRLs) where information was exchanged and the recognition process discussed.
The International Rugby League has been trying for several years to be recognized without success. This unfortunately places our sport on the same footing as other non-recognized international sports. The WRL was found to reinforce the international recognition effort and is pleased with the process and meetings, expressing moderate optimism for the follow-up.
The most important points that have emerged are the two of the first stage for recognition.
The first is the absence or the existence of a dispute over the autonomy of the sport with another recognized federation. Rugby League has been in a constant confrontation for over 100 years with Rugby Union, which is recognized by GAISF and opposes it. WRL representatives believe that the sport does not fit in this type of rivalry and we need to take another kind of "non-war" approach from our side.
The second important step is the existence of forty (40) National Federations recognized by the National Olympic Committees or the Highest Sports' Authority of every country. Unfortunately, no international Federation of Rugby League has achieved this goal up to now. On the contrary, there are people claiming in different countries that they represent the sport although they have no recognition in their countries. For example, in Italy, LIRFL is recognized by the Olympic Committee of Italy, while in Greece HFMoP is recognized for Rugby League by the Ministry of Culture and Sports. Both cases are acceptable to GAISF. Unfortunately, however, in both countries as an example, other legal entities also operate, without the recognition GAISF asks for, and they create confusion in the sport. This is something that must be perceived by everyone and everyone has to meet the demands of the process.
The Bureau of the WRL expresses its optimism about the follow-up and has already sent letters to international bodies of our sport so that all those who are truly interested can accept the hand of friendship and cooperation for the good of the sport.
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