Parliamentary Group calls for international recognition of rugby league

The UK’s All-Party Parliamentary Rugby League Group has called on the General Assembly for International Sports Federations (GAISF) to recognise the Rugby League International Federation (RLIF) as the world governing body of rugby league.

The Group has written to GAISF President, Patrick Baumann, in support of the RLIF’s application. The letter notes that the RLIF has 71 national federations as members; the copyright to the rules of rugby league, nines rugby league and wheelchair rugby league; and the trademark on the men’s and women’s Rugby League World Cups.

The RLIF’s application for recognition has been repeatedly frustrated, despite being recognised as the world governing body by the World Anti-Doping Association and the Commonwealth Games Federation.

Group Chair and Member of Parliament for Bradford South, Judith Cummins MP, said “rugby league has a long and proud history here in the United Kingdom and across the world. The Rugby League International Federation dates back to 1927, and is actively engaged with the UK Government ahead of the men’s, women’s and wheelchair Rugby League World Cups in England in 2021.

“I hope that the General Assembly for International Sports Federations will finally approve the Rugby League International Federation’s application, and give rugby league the recognition it deserves on the international stage.”

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