The IBA has been in dispute with the IOC for many years, which suspended it in 2019 due to problems in the areas of governance, finances, match-fixing and ethics. Then it also took away the organization of the Olympic tournament in Tokyo and qualification for the 2024 games.
In addition, boxing has been conditionally removed from the Games in 2028 unless it undertakes major reforms, which the IBA has now completed, according to a report to the IOC. Because of this, the association also said that any sanctions against it would now be illegal.
“We have done what we can to remove all doubts of the IOC regarding leadership, finances and credibility. We are of the opinion that we have met all the requirements,” the IBA said in a statement.
One of the points of criticism was the excessive dependence of the association on finances from Gazprom, due to, among other things, the Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, the IBA said the company’s contract expired in December 2022 and was not renewed.