IOC Session withdraws International Boxing Association recognition

The IOC Session has decided to withdraw recognition of the International Boxing Association, in accordance with Rule 3.7 of the Olympic Charter.

Upon the recommendation of the Executive Board (EB) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the IOC Session, which met remotely on 22 June 2023, has decided to withdraw recognition of the International Boxing Association (IBA), in accordance with Rule 3.7 of the Olympic Charter (OC).

The IBA was suspended in 2019 for governance and corruption issues and failed to meet the set of reforms that were required meaning boxing at the Tokyo Olympics was organised by the IOC rather than the IBA. The Olympic body will be in charge again for Paris 2024. 

In response the IBA said “We have successfully implemented all recommendations outlined by the IOC in its roadmap. Despite the challenges, the IBA remains committed to the development of boxing and the organization of official tournaments and World Boxing Championships at the highest level. We cannot conceal the fact that today's decision is catastrophic for global boxing and blatantly contradicts the IOC's claims of acting in the best interests of boxing and athletes.” 

However, the IOC have reiterated that boxing will continue to be part of the Olympic programme with President Thomas Bach saying “We do not have a problem with boxing. We do not have a problem with boxers. The boxers fully deserve to be governed by an international federation with integrity and transparency.”

The IBA attempted to appeal the decision, but this has been rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. 

In April this year, World Boxing was formed, and several countries have left the IBA to join the new organisation.