Commonwealth Sport chiefs have dismissed claims of corruption and racism from Aziz Abdul, Idi Amin’s grandson, after he was disqualified from his super-heavyweight boxing quarter-final. Abdul, representing Uganda, was competing against England’s Damar Thomas when the Argentinian referee, Manuel Vilarino, disqualified him for a head-butt.
The disqualification followed earlier point deductions for a standing count and repeatedly punching on the break. Abdul reacted strongly to the decision, stating, “Of course it’s unfair,” and adding, “I’m a black African, I know.” He questioned why officials seemed “scared about this fight.”
However, Dr Donald Rukare, the Ugandan president of Commonwealth Sport, contradicted Abdul's claims on Thursday. Dr Rukare stated, “We at Commonwealth Sport believe that every athlete is treated fairly in a non discriminatory manner,” suggesting Abdul’s comments were “probably something said in the heat of the moment.”
In related news, Katie Sadleir, chief executive of the Commonwealth Games, defended TNT Sports’ coverage of Glasgow 2026 amid social media criticism regarding the switch from the BBC. Sadleir highlighted TNT’s role in ensuring coverage for every athlete and the value of 600 hours of television coverage for £4.99. She also expressed hope that the BBC would bid for the Amedabad Games in 2030.