The World Boxing Association (IBA) is allowing athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete again. This was confirmed by the Russian president of the world association.
The measure was decided by the board of directors of the association on Wednesday (October 5th, 2022). The athletes of these countries are allowed to compete under their national flags. When they win, their national anthems are played.
Decision against IOC recommendation
The Russian President of the world association, Umar Kremlev, had already announced the decision at the association’s extraordinary congress a week and a half ago in Yerevan. “Both the IOC and international federations must protect all athletes and there should be no discrimination based on nationality”Kremlev had said. “It is our duty to keep sports and athletes away from politics.”
The IBA is thus opposing the recommendation of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to exclude athletes from Russia and Belarus from international competitions as far as possible after the Russian attack on Ukraine.
Ukraine’s federation is currently suspended from the IBA
The IBA in Yerevan had suspended the Ukrainian association. This was because of the state’s alleged interference in the work of the national association. The Ukrainian association reacted with outrage to the measure.
Ukrainian boxers are allowed under their flag and under the name “IBA Ukrainian Team” Participate in competitions. The Ukrainian anthem will also be played in the event of a gold medal.
Kremlev confirmed in the presidency without election
At the congress at the end of September, Kremlev was confirmed as president. He was not elected, but held a vote on holding a new election. 75 percent of the 155 voting national associations spoke out against a new election. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said it was “extremely concerned”.
The IOC had previously accused the federation of a lack of progress and transparency on governance and finances, and threatened to remove boxing from the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The IOC does not recognize the IBA. The IOC reacted on Wednesday evening and announced: “The recognition of the International Boxing Association (IBA) was already suspended by the IOC in 2019 and remains suspended.” The IOC Executive Board will fully review the overall situation of boxing at its next meeting, including other recent developments such as the outcome of its Extraordinary Congress.
IBA financed largely by the Russian state-owned company Gazprom
Kremlev seems ready to organize boxing worldwide if necessary without an Olympic future. “I work for you, not for a third organization”, he called out to the affiliates at the Congress, emphasizing: “We shouldn’t say Olympic boxing, we should say IBA boxing.”
Since Kremlev has been president, high prize money has been paid out at world championships with the help of the Russian state energy company Gazprom. The national associations also benefit.