The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has suggested that the International Boxing Association (IBA) lose its recognition for not meeting necessary reforms. However, boxing will still be part of the 2028 Olympics in Paris and Los Angeles. The IBA was suspended by the IOC in 2019 because of governance, finance, refereeing, and ethical issues.
The IOC personally managed boxing events during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and will do so again in the 2024 Paris Olympics. The recommendation to withdraw IBA recognition is based on a thorough report, and the IOC’s Executive Board has made it to the IOC Session.
The IBA intends to contest the decision of the IOC and asserts that it has made substantial headway in its pursuit of a just evaluation. The IOC’s action has sparked apprehension regarding its unbridled authority and potential repercussions for other global organizations.
The Secretary General and CEO of the IBA expressed dissatisfaction with the absence of communication with the IOC and urged adherence to the Olympic Charter in revoking recognition of the IBA. A final verdict on the withdrawal of recognition will be rendered during a special IOC Session on June 22, 2023.
