The Sports Tribunal has allowed an application by the Auckland Chess Centre, Keong Ang and Timothy Ha challenging disciplinary sanctions imposed by the New Zealand Chess Federation. The Tribunal found that NZCF acted outside its powers by relying on its Tournament Regulations to impose bans arising from conduct connected with governance and AGM voting matters, rather than tournament play. The bans were therefore declared unlawful, invalid and set aside. The Tribunal also expressed concerns about aspects of NZCF’s disciplinary process, including the failure to provide an opportunity for submissions on sanction.
The Tribunal’s decision can be found at: https://sportstribunal.org.nz/auckland-chess-centre-ors-v-new-zealand-chess-federation-st04-26/