The case involves a complex dispute over the leadership of the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) between Tommy Wiking and several national federations, including USA Football, Football Canada, the Japanese American Football Association, and the Panamanian Federation of American Football, along with Richard MacLean. The central issue revolves around Wiking's alleged resignation as IFAF President in 2015 and the subsequent elections of Roope Noronen and Richard MacLean. The dispute originated from governance challenges during Wiking's tenure, including financial mismanagement allegations related to the cancellation of the 2015 IFAF World Championship in Sweden and undisclosed negotiations with China to host the event. Wiking was also linked to a company, Amfium AB, which faced accusations of financial irregularities, though he denied any wrongdoing.
The legal proceedings before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) focused on the validity of Wiking's resignation and the legitimacy of the leadership transitions. Wiking claimed his February 2015 email expressing intent to resign was not binding, while the IFAF Executive Board argued it constituted a formal resignation. The CAS Panel ruled that Wiking's resignation was valid under French law, effective April 30, 2015, and nullified all his subsequent actions as IFAF President. The Panel also upheld the legitimacy of Noronen's interim presidency, elected at a July 2015 Congress chaired by Senior Vice-President Mac Kaneuji, and MacLean's presidency, elected at a September 2016 Congress in New York. Wiking contested both elections, alleging procedural irregularities, but the Panel dismissed these claims, noting the Congresses had the authority to rectify minor procedural issues.
The case highlights broader governance issues within IFAF, including transparency, accountability, and adherence to statutory procedures. The CAS emphasized the importance of clear juridical acts in sports administration and the finality of resignation declarations. The ruling affirmed MacLean's presidency and ordered Wiking to cease representing himself as IFAF President, marking a resolution to the prolonged leadership dispute. The decision underscores the challenges of leadership transitions in international sports organizations and the role of legal arbitration in resolving such conflicts.