The International Boxing Association (IBA) is keen to protect its National Federations that are facing the abusive behaviour of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The IBA will go all the way and take necessary actions to secure the best future for its membership; we encourage our National Federations to join us in the legal battlefield for the future of boxing.

On 26 August, the IBA submitted a formal complaint to the Swiss Competition Commission, accusing the International Olympic Committee (IOC) of unfairly dominating the global market for organizing and marketing the Olympic Games. The IOC is using its influence to prevent boxers from participating in the Olympics if their National Federation is affiliated with IBA, which violates fair competition standards under Swiss law. The IOC’s recent actions further emphasize this issue. It has pressured National Olympic Committees (NOCs) to exclude IBA-affiliated National Federations from their membership and restrict any formal relations between the NOCs and these Federations. IBA argues that this behaviour is unlawful and has raised it with the Swiss Competition Commission, adding to previous legal concerns.

In response to this situation, IBA invites all its National Federations to join in legal action against the IOC in Switzerland. By working together, we can increase our chances of ending this pressure from both the IOC and the NOCs. National Federations interested in joining the legal proceedings should contact IBA as soon as possible.

For those considering additional actions within their own countries to protect their rights, IBA offers support for legal cases at the national level. This includes guidance, administrative help, and financial assistance based on IBA’s policies. Federations are encouraged to seek the best local legal experts, with IBA providing financial support where appropriate.

Any National Federations experiencing pressure from NOCs or local sports authorities should reach out to IBA’s International Relations Department at international@iba.sport. Please include detailed information about your current situation, indicate whether you’re prepared to join the legal action in Switzerland, and specify the type of support you’re seeking from IBA. Together, we can work to protect the rights of our boxing community on a global scale.

IBA Secretary General & CEO, Chris Roberts OBE, stated, ‘We are facing the impingement on the rights of athletes and National Federations across the globe. We need to take serious actions to protect our member federations, our athletes and support staff alike, we will not stand by while our people face undue pressure and exclusion.’

Please find here at the following link, the official letter sent on behalf of the IBA Secretary General & CEO to all National Federations via email as at today’s date.

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Media contacts:

Elena Sobol, Head of Communications and PR, International Boxing Association: elena.sobol@iba.sport

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