Asia Rugby today announced that it has upheld its suspension of Sri Lanka Rugby President Rizly Illyas, after his appeal was dismissed by an AR Appeal Panel.

"Asia Rugby led by its principles of Transparency and Accountability appointed an Appeal Panel in March 2023 to address the appeal of Mr. Mohamed Rizly Mohamed Illyas, the President of the suspended Sri Lanka Rugby union," an AR release read.

"Mr. Illyas was found guilty on charges of breaching Asia Rugby’s Code of Conduct by the Asia Rugby Executive Committee based on a thorough investigation by a Judicial Officer. Mr. Illyas was given the opportunity to appeal, and the appointed Appeal Panel chaired by the President of Qazakhstan Rugby Ms. Aigul Jartybayeva with the membership of Mr. Jeffry Chang the President of Chinese Taipei Rugby Football Union and Mr. David Boyton, Judicial Officer from Hong Kong dismissed the appeal after comprehensive evaluation."

"Mr. Illyas’ expulsion from Asia Rugby Council will be binding until the end of the current Asia Rugby Council term," the statement also read.