Parliamentary Group calls for international recognition of Rugby League

The Parliamentary Rugby League Group has called on the General Assembly for International Sports Federations to recognise the RLIF as the world governing body for Rugby League.  

The UK’s All-Party Group has called on the GAISF to recognise the Rugby League International Federation as the world governing body of Rugby League.

Last month, the RLIF was rejected again when they wanted to be recognised as a sport on its own rather than being joined with Rugby Union.

And the Group have written to the GAISF President, Patrick Baumann, in support of the RLIF’s application.

The letter states that the RLIF has 71 federations as members as well as the copyright to the rules of Rugby League, Nines Rugby League, 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.

And this is despite being recognised as the world governing body by the World Anti-Doping Association and the Commonwealth Games Federation.

Judith Cummins MP, Group Chair and Member of Parliament for Bradford South, 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.”