IOC finally expels IBA

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) went through the ritual of expelling the International Boxing Association (IBA) from its fold. A decision to this effect was taken at the 140^th  IOC session where 69 members voted in favour, one voted against it and 10 others abstained from voting.

The President of the IOC, Thomas Bach, had a test vote before the resolution to expel IBA from the IOC was taken up.

It was later clarified that Boxing would continue on the Olympic Programme in Paris 2024.

The expulsion of an International Sports Federation (ISF) from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is unprecedented as different ISFs had been served ultimatums and asked to amend their constitutions in line with the guidelines of the IOC and also make their functioning more transparent and efficient. Weightlifting had been one of other sports that remained under IOC radar.

IOC sports director Kit McConnell explained how the IOC’s Boxing Task Force ran the Tokyo 2020 boxing tournament and qualifiers. Presumably a similar system was planned for Paris 2024 and LA 28 at this stage, but World Boxing would of course be looking to get involved.

It may be pertinent to mention that World Boxing would be staking a claim for official recognition as a part of the Olympic movement.

There were assurances that Boxing will continue to be on the Olympic programme in 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

Prabhjot Singh