Asia Rugby Statement: Expulsion case of Mohamed Rizly Mohamed Illyas

Asia Rugby, led by its principle of transparency wishes to bring the case of Mr Mohamed Rizly Mohamed Illyas’ expulsion to the attention of all.

In June 2022, Asia Rugby initiated an investigation of a breach of the Asia Rugby Code of Conduct Policy against the President of the suspended Sri Lanka Rugby, Mr Mohamed Rizly Mohamed Illyas.

The investigation was initiated following a series of false public statements about, and personal threats towards Asia Rugby President Qais Al Dhalai.

After an extended period of investigation and multiple attempts to hold juridical hearings that were adjourned due to Mr Illyas’ unavailability, the appointed Judicial Officer, following due process and giving ample time for Mr Illyas and his legal team to present his case, found him in breach of various articles of the Asia Rugby Code of Conduct Policy specifically pertaining to “bringing Asia Rugby and the game into disrepute through his actions and statements”. He was also found to be in breach of articles relating to “unprofessional behaviour and harassment”.

His behaviour, which is against the values of integrity, respect and discipline prompted the Judicial Officer to recommend that Mr Illyas be expelled from Asia Rugby as an Asia Rugby Council Member and from any Asia Rugby Committee position that he may hold, with immediate effect. The expulsion will be served until the end of the current Asia Rugby Council term which ends with the Annual General Meeting at the end of the year 2024.

Mr Illyas was given the right to appeal as per the Asia Rugby Code of Conduct Policy and he has done so. Asia Rugby is in the process of appointing an Appeal Committee that shall adjudicate the case as soon as reasonably practicable. The Appeal Committee will consist of three members that are not members of the Asia Rugby Executive Committee. The decision of the Appeal Committee which is final and binding shall, as soon as reasonably practicable, after the conclusion of the appeal, be notified in writing to the appellant and other relevant parties.

Related Article: Separate Cases, Due Process Followed in Sri Lanka Rugby, Rizly Ilyas suspensions: Asia Rugby Clarifies