April 02, (THEWILL) – The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), has dismissed the International Boxing Association’s (IBA), appeal against the decision to strip it of recognition as the international federation for boxing. On Tuesday, the top court for global sports upheld the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) move to withdraw the IBA’s status over governance and financial issues.
In its statement, CAS explained that the IOC had initiated a process shortly after the 2016 Rio Olympics requesting the IBA undertake measures to address serious concerns related to its governance, ethics and financial stability.
However, the boxing body failed to comply with the conditions set by the IOC, including increasing financial transparency, diversifying revenues and ensuring integrity in referee/judging processes.
Furthermore, CAS noted the IBA did not implement all proposed measures from the IOC’s Governance Reform Group aimed at enacting a cultural shift within the organisation. The panel determined these unaddressed elements justified the IOC’s decision to remove recognition from the IBA last June.
Crucially, the court emphasised the IOC’s right to control the circumstances and conditions surrounding its recognition takes precedence over the IBA’s rights as an organisation. With boxing’s Olympic future uncertain, rival body World Boxing stated last month its intention to seek recognition and keep the sport on the programme for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), has dismissed the International Boxing Association’s (IBA) appeal against the decision to strip it of recognition as the international federation for boxing. On Tuesday, the top court for global sports upheld the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC)move to withdraw the IBA’s status over governance and financial issues.
In its statement, CAS explained that the IOC had initiated a process shortly after the 2016 Rio Olympics requesting the IBA undertake measures to address serious concerns related to its governance, ethics and financial stability.
However, the boxing body failed to comply with the conditions set by the IOC, including increasing financial transparency, diversifying revenues, and ensuring integrity in referee/judging processes.
Furthermore, CAS noted the IBA did not implement all proposed measures from the IOC’s Governance Reform Group aimed at enacting a cultural shift within the organisation. The panel determined these unaddressed elements justified the IOC’s decision to remove recognition from the IBA last June.
Crucially, the court emphasised the IOC’s right to control the circumstances and conditions surrounding its recognition takes precedence over the IBA’s rights as an organisation. With boxing’s Olympic future uncertain, rival body World Boxing stated last month its intention to seek recognition and keep the sport on the programme for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
