IBA Loses Appeal in CAS Over IOC’s Decision to Strip it of Status

The International Boxing Association’s appeal against the removal of its status as the sport’s world governing body has been rejected.

The IBA was stripped of the status by the International Olympic Committee in June 2023 and took the appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Cas said the IBA had not made enough change in financial transparency, integrity of officials and its culture.

“As a consequence, these three elements justified the IOC’s decision,” it said.

The IOC’s executive board recommended the move after the IBA failed to meet set reforms following its 2019 suspension over governance issues and alleged corruption.

IOC members backed the recommendation with 69 of 70 valid votes.

Last year, in response to the vote, the Russian-led IBA accused the IOC of making a “tremendous error” and compared the move to Germany’s actions in the Second World War.

The IBA has not yet reacted to Cas’ decision, which was released on Tuesday.

Boxing at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics was organised by the IOC amid concerns over the IBA’s finance, governance, ethics, refereeing and judging, and the Olympic body will be in charge again for Paris 2024.

In April, World Boxing– a breakaway international federation – was formed.

Last month World Boxing said it will seek recognition from Olympic organisers to replace the IBA and keep the sport on the programme for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.

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