Recognition withdrawal: IBA says IOC’s action shows its true politicised nature

June 23, 2023

In an official communication from the International Boxing Association (IBA) addressed to the leadership and members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) the IBA has expressed its strong disagreement with the IOC’s decision to withdraw recognition of the IBA.

IBA also criticises the IOC for its alleged politicisation.

In a statement by the IBA on Thursday the association said, the IOC has made a tremendous error by withdrawing its recognition of the IBA, revealing its true politicised nature.

“It is noteworthy that on this very day, 82 years ago, fascist Germany launched an attack on the peaceful citizens of the Soviet Union, resulting in the escalation of war and a devastating human tragedy.”

Recall that the IOC announcing the withdrawal recognition of the IBA earlier on Thursday, said its long-running concerns with the IBA “have led to the IOC finally withdrawing recognition from the world governing body; “We highly value the sport,” said Thomas Bach. “But we have an extremely serious problem with IBA”.

“We cannot conceal the fact that the decision is catastrophic for global boxing and blatantly contradicts the IOC’s claims of acting in the best interests of boxing and athletes.

IBA noted that it currently stands as one of the top international sports federations, offering extensive support to athletes, coaches, National Federations, and Continental Confederations.

The actions of the IOC, which appear to be driven by political decisions rather than considering the opinion of the sports community, including the boxing community, and, most importantly, the interests of athletes and coaches, contradict the fundamental principles of Olympism enshrined in the Olympic Charter.

It is evident to many that the IOC’s decision is not based on objective facts but on personal animosity and prejudice towards someone’s nationality. Such a stance categorically contradicts the Olympic Charter and the principles of non-discrimination.

We vehemently oppose any form of discrimination and have repeatedly demonstrated, through our actions rather than mere words, that boxing for us is not a means of earning money and enriching ourselves at the expense of athletes, as it was under the previous leadership.