IRL farewells Head of Judiciary Karim Akbar Khan

International Rugby League is bidding farewell to its outgoing Head of Judiciary Karim Akbar Khan, who is taking up a full-time judge’s role in the United Kingdom later this month.

Judge Khan became IRL’s first Head of Judiciary in 2020 and has overseen the establishment of a consistent and fair disciplinary process across the international game. He also leaves his roles as the House of Lords Commissioner for Standards and as a Legally Qualified chair of the Metropolitan Police’s misconduct tribunal Panels, having previously occupied senior legal roles in the UK Diplomatic Service and within the Commonwealth. 

IRL secretary-general Danny Kazandjian paid tribute to Khan’s legacy: “On behalf of International Rugby League I would like to thank Karim for his almost five years of service. In that transformational period Karim oversaw the creation of the IRL’s first judiciary department, including the drafting and upkeep of our disciplinary rules as well as chairing disciplinary and misconduct committees,” he said.

“IRL judiciary is now a trusted independent institution that IRL members and their players know provides them with the necessary protections and support to fully participate in rugby league. The IF was fortunate to have someone of Karim’s calibre and professionalism on board and we wish him the very best of luck in his new role.”

Judge Khan, whose appointment by the King as a Judge of the Upper Tribunal precludes him from holding any other remunerated office, said: “Approximately four years ago, I was given the privilege of becoming the governing body's first Head of Judiciary.

 “Since then, I have worked alongside incredibly knowledgeable and committed colleagues to strengthen the IRL's misconduct rules and processes for both the elite and grassroots game.

 “As I leave this fascinating role, I feel proud of what we have achieved together to promote high standards of conduct, and to place fairness, integrity and good governance at the heart of IRL.”

 IRL is expected to appoint a new Head of Judiciary this month.