The International Olympic Committee (IOC) approved a recommendation from its executive committee today, Thursday, to withdraw recognition of the International Boxing Association (IBA) as a global sports organization. During an emergency session, the IOC announced that 69 votes were in favor of the withdrawal, citing the IBA’s failure to complete reforms related to good governance, financing, and arbitration, with one vote against.
The IBA, which described the decision as a "serious mistake," attempted to obstruct the executive council's recommendation by appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, but the court rejected the appeal last Tuesday.
In a statement, the IBA declared, "The International Olympic Committee made a serious mistake in withdrawing its recognition of the association, revealing its true politicized nature. We have successfully implemented all recommendations issued by the IOC in the roadmap it laid out."
The IBA added, "Despite the challenges, the association remains committed to developing boxing and maintaining its independence in organizing official competitions and world championships at the highest levels," emphasizing, "We have the legal right to do so, and we are prepared to defend it before any competent authority."
The actions of the IBA have led to the establishment of a breakaway group called the Global Boxing Union, with many countries withdrawing from IBA membership to join the new organization.
The Global Boxing Union stated, "This is a very important moment for the sport. All national boxing federations now face a crucial decision regarding whether they want their boxers to have the opportunity to compete in the Olympic Games in Los Angeles and beyond."
It added, "We urge every national federation to join the Global Boxing Union and support its efforts to ensure boxing remains at the heart of the Olympic movement."
Previously, the IOC suspended the IBA's membership in 2019 due to issues related to good governance, financing, arbitration, and matters of sports ethics, and did not include it in the management of boxing competitions at the Tokyo Olympics.
Boxing will be a part of the Paris 2024 Olympics, but the qualifying events and competitions will be managed by the IOC, not the IBA, as was the case in the Tokyo 2021 Games.
