The world boxing association IBA, which is led by a Russian, temporarily suspended Ukraine before the Extraordinary Congress on Sunday.
As the IBA announced following the meeting of its board of directors in Yerevan, Armenia, this was due to state interference in the work of the national association. The Ukrainian federation reacted with outrage to the measure in a letter from Kyiv on Saturday and called on all IBA member federations to refuse the consent of Congress required for the suspension according to the statutes.
Ukrainian athletes should not be affected
The IBA stressed that the suspension will not affect Ukrainian athletes. These should continue to be able to take part in competitions and be supported by the world association.
The IBA is holding an extraordinary congress with a presidential election this Sunday in Yerevan. The world association has been led by the Russian Umar Kremlev since 2020. Kremlev is considered a confidante of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
According to the IBA announcement, the member associations in Yerevan must vote on the need for new elections. If they vote against, Kremlev will remain in office for another four years.
Ukrainian association criticizes the process
The Ukrainian association wrote in its letter that it had learned about its suspension from the media. He was not given the opportunity to comment on the allegations before the board. “We are convinced that the suspension is just an attempt to silence the Ukrainian boxing community,” wrote association president Kyrylo Shevchenko.
At the same time, he protested against the fact that the Ukrainian IBA Vice President Volodymyr Prodywus was appointed as coordinator by the board of the world association. “This is appalling and unacceptable,” he wrote. And further: “How can he coordinate Ukrainian boxers when he fled Ukraine seven months ago?”