The International Boxing Association has decided to end the membership of the national boxing bodies of the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Germany, and Sweden, according to TASS. This action marks a significant shift in governance within the sport and signals closer alignment among these nations with alternative leadership for the sport at the world level.
The resolution was adopted during the IBA Congress held in Dubai, with delegates voting to realign the structure of boxing governance in response to ongoing debates about oversight and autonomy in the sport. This move comes amid broader discussions about how national federations interact with the global boxing authority and how athletes are represented on the international stage. The IBA, led by Umar Kremlev, has faced sustained pressure from the International Olympic Committee over issues surrounding national identity for athletes connected to Russia and Belarus. (Source: IBA communications via TASS)
In the wake of IOC recommendations, several European federations — including the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Germany, and Sweden — opted to withdraw from the IBA institution to pursue independent World Boxing organizations. The aim for these nations has been to preserve governance models that they feel better reflect their athletes and sporting values, while still seeking high standards of competition and safety for competitors on a global scale. (Source: IOC guidance discussions reported by TASS)
Further developments surfaced on December 8, when officials indicated that Russian athletes could participate in the 2024 Olympic Games without changing their nationality, but with a neutral status. The International Olympic Committee stated that competitors from Russia would need to agree to updated participation terms, which include adherence to the Olympic Charter and acceptance of the Olympic movement’s peaceful mission. Athletes who rank highly in their disciplines will be eligible to compete under these neutral conditions, provided they meet the specified requirements. (Source: IOC policy updates reported by TASS)
Earlier, Kremlin officials equated the IOC’s recommendations with a rejection of the concept of national affiliation for athletes, drawing a sharp contrast to the traditional understanding of national representation in sport. This viewpoint has been echoed in public commentary and strategic statements tied to the governance of boxing and Olympic participation. (Source: official Kremlin responses via TASS)