Boxing: AIBA president Rahimov resigns four months after election

(Reuters) - Amateur boxing's governing body (AIBA) president Gafur Rahimov announced his resignation on Friday, claiming that "politically based discussions" were harming the organization's progress as the sport battles to remain part of the Olympic program. Rahimov was elected in November despite being on the U.S. Treasury Department's sanctions list "for providing material support" to a criminal organization, a claim the Uzbek strongly denies. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) expressed its concern over the choice of Rahimov at the time of his election due to him being on the sanctions list, deepening a quarrel with the organization over its long running financial troubles. Boxing has been contested at every summer Games since its introduction to the program in 1904, except for the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm due to the sport being banned by Swedish law at the time. However, the IOC's Executive Board said in November that planning for next year's Olympic boxing tournament had been frozen and contact suspended between AIBA and the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee. "While I had truly hoped and believed that sport and politics could be separated... the politically based discussions have put into question the progress being made throughout the AIBA organization," Rahimov said in a statement on AIBA's website. "Once again, as I have stated before on numerous occasions, I attest and confirm that the allegations against me were fabricated and based on politically motivated lies; I trust that the truth will prevail. "Nevertheless, I have always said that I would never put myself above Boxing, and as president, I have a duty to do everything in my power to serve our sport and our athletes." Rahimov, 67, said he would be replaced by an interim president. Last month, the AIBA said its debt had been reduced from $18 million last year to $15.6 million this year. "I am convinced that all the good initiatives that have been implemented this last year will serve as a foundation that will continue to strengthen our sport in the future," added Rahimov. (Reporting by Richard Martin; Editing by Christian Radnedge)