Sport Ireland have this evening released a statement on investigations in to the death of João Carvalho, as well as its relationship with MMA in Ireland.
João Carvalho fought Irish MMA fighter Charlie Ward during Saturday’s Total Extreme Fighting event which took place in Tallaght.
20 minutes after having been knocked out, he fell ill and was immediately taken to Beaumont hospital, where his condition was labelled very serious.
He tragically passed away yesterday, something which has prompted criticism and questioning of the safety of MMA as a sport.
Sport Ireland have released a statement this evening, reiterating its lack of association with MMA in Ireland. It further states that it will play no role in investigating Carvalho’s death, leaving that up to ‘the relevant authorities.’
The statement can be read in full here:
Regardless of the relationship with Sport Ireland or any statutory authority, the primary responsibility for Health & Safety for an event rests with the organiser and the relevant governing body.
Any review of the tragic events of last Saturday should be carried out by relevant authorities. That does not include Sport Ireland as it does not recognise MMA in any form.
Sport Ireland will work with the Department of Sport to establish how MMA operates in Ireland and under what regulatory framework it may operate in the future.
Sport Ireland has had no formal engagement with any organisation representing MMA on recognition to date.
Sport Ireland recognises National Governing Bodies of sport and operates a recognition programme for sports/disciplines that do not have that status. Sports seek recognition as it provides access to funding and other supports & services from Sport Ireland. For many organisations it is valuable as an endorsement of that body which may be important for governance and commercial reasons.
There is a process for recognition and criteria must be met. Without going into huge detail the applicant should be able to demonstrate that it is a functioning corporate body (M & As, audited accounts, functioning board etc), is affiliated with a relevant international organisation, is operating as the governing authority with rules etc and has clubs and memberships around the country.
