IBA acknowledges collective decision of Olympic Federations to align with CAS position. IBA

The Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF) decided at its annual General Assembly not to support the IBA's appeal against the IOC's decision to withdraw recognition of the IBA and offered to enter into a dialogue with all parties to find a solution to regain recognition.

At its General Assembly on Tuesday, the International Boxing Association (IBA) acknowledged ASOIF's decision and said in a statement that the result was "deeply disappointing". In line with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), ASOIF has decided not to support the IBA's appeal against the IOC's loss of recognition. The organisation "will continue to protect its athletes and coaches  by considering an appeal to the Swiss Federal Court".

The IOC recently announced: "Boxing will not return to the Olympic programme until a recognised body is in place. It has set the year 2025 as the deadline for this to happen, making the events and the final solution urgent. 

Upon learning of the CAS decision, the IBA announced that it would "use all legal means" to defend its position and reiterated that it has already implemented significant governance and compliance reforms since the end of 2020, as required by the IOC to regain its governance.

The IBA will use all the legal means at its disposal to defend its interests. IBA
The IBA will use all the legal means at its disposal to defend its interests. IBA

In the wake of CAS's rejection of the IBA's appeal, ASOIF took advantage of its General Assembly to collectively decide what to do about it. For the time being, they have decided to align themselves with the CAS position.

The IBA advocates "dialogue and cooperation" to solve the problem that is currently directly affecting the sport. It commits itself to a "constructive dialogue with ASOIF and all parties".

On learning of ASOIF's decision, the IBA stated that it would continue to support "national federations, athletes and coaches". These three groups are "the greatest strength".

IBA's offer of dialogue with all parties in search of a solution. IBA
IBA's offer of dialogue with all parties in search of a solution. IBA

Finally, the IBA declared that it was "more committed than ever to the development of boxing and will work tirelessly to secure its rightful place on the world stage". Undoubtedly, the months following the Paris 2024 celebrations will be crucial in determining the future of boxing within the Olympic Movement.

Meanwhile, at the same General Assembly, the ASOIF elected Belgium's Ingmar De Vos as its new President with 29 votes in favour and none against. De Vos is the President of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) and the only candidate. He will take over from Italy's Francesco Ricci Bitti in 2025. A new era begins next year. It will end on 31 December 2028.