LAUSANNE: The International Olympic Committee's (IOC) Executive Board (EB) expressed strong condemnation for the President of the International Boxing Association (IBA), Umar Kremlev, due to his use of violent and threatening language directed at several IOC individuals. The IOC's statement came as a response to the recommendation made by its Executive Board to withdraw the IBA's affiliation. This article will delve into the details of the issue, highlighting the reasons behind the IOC's decision and the repercussions it may have on the future of the IBA.

Violent and Derogatory Language Unacceptable: During the American Boxing Confederation (AMBC) Continental Forum held in Brasilia, Umar Kremlev made statements that not only drew the attention of the IOC but also triggered their condemnation. The IOC Executive Board cited governance issues, financial irregularities, and referring and judging errors during major international tournaments as the basis for its recommendation to sever ties with the IBA. However, it was the offensive language used by Kremlev that sparked immediate concern.

Condemnation and Defamation: The IOC, through an official statement on its website, firmly expressed its disapproval of the President of IBA's behavior. The organization deemed the "incitement of hatred and derogatory language" against IOC individuals as unacceptable. It stressed that these individuals were merely carrying out their professional roles and that the IOC as an organization should not become the target of such disrespectful remarks.

Furthermore, the IOC emphasized that accusing its members of "covering up crimes" is highly defamatory. Such allegations undermine the integrity and reputation of the IOC and its officials. The statement highlighted the inappropriate nature of calling for harm to be inflicted on an individual formerly linked to the IOC. The IOC firmly stated that this kind of language has no place in sports or any civilized debate. The organization also made it clear that it would exercise its legal rights to address these matters.

IBA's Response and Disappointment: The IBA, in response to the IOC's recommendation, expressed its disappointment with the decision. IBA officials made several comments against the IOC and its administrators, expressing their discontent. However, it is essential to note that the IOC's concerns regarding the IBA's governance, financial irregularities, and referring and judging errors during international tournaments are significant factors contributing to the recommendation to withdraw the affiliation.

The IOC's final decision on the IBA's affiliation is expected to be made during a special IOC Session scheduled for Thursday. The IOC has already suspended the IBA from the Olympic Games, and the boxing competitions at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games will be organized by the IOC, following the precedent set during the Tokyo 2020 Games. The implications of the IOC's decision will have a profound impact on the future of the IBA and its standing within the international sporting community.

The IOC's condemnation of Umar Kremlev, the President of the IBA, stems from his use of violent and threatening language against IOC individuals. The organization highlighted governance issues, financial irregularities, and referring and judging errors as additional reasons behind the recommendation to withdraw the IBA's affiliation. The IOC firmly denounced the defamatory accusations and emphasized that such behavior has no place in sports or civilized discussions. The decision regarding the IBA's affiliation will be reached during the upcoming IOC Session, which will shape the future of the IBA and its role in the Olympic Games.