The issue has become one of the key issues in the elections for the presidency of the French Boxing Federation (FFBoxe). But according to the authority, the announcement made in a press release on Monday, November 4, is already a decision. “important” : FFBoxe has expressed its desire to “disaffiliate” of the International Boxing Association (IBA) and join its competitor, World Boxing. This change will be put to a vote at its next general meeting, on December 14.
The long-standing conflict between the IBA – led by Russian Umar Kremlev and criticized for governance problems – and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) threatens the presence of the discipline in the Games programme. The body that brings together the sports movement, which must decide on this issue in 2025, has already conditioned its permanence in the Olympic Games to the appearance of a new international federation. FFBoxe therefore decided to follow other countries by proposing to its general assembly to join World Boxing, which has started talks with Lausanne.
“The initiative is based on a letter from David Lappartient, president of the French Olympic committee [et candidat à la présidence du CIO]remembering that, following recent decisions by the International Olympic Committee, boxing is no longer recognized as an Olympic sport for the Los Angeles 2028 Games.explains the French federation in a press release.
“Guarantee an Olympic future for its athletes”
“By joining World Boxing, FFBoxe wishes to guarantee an Olympic future for its athletes, ensure lasting stability for the clubs and place the discipline in a dynamic of development and success in France”continue.
Sarah Ourahmoune, silver medalist at the 2016 Rio Games and current vice president of FFBoxe, announced on Monday in an interview with The team who was running as a candidate for the presidency of the federation, associated with the outgoing Dominique Nato. On this occasion, he declared that his priority was to avoid “the possible loss of Olympic recognition”advocating leaving the IBA.
Estelle Mossely, gold medalist in Rio and linked to the IBA, is also a candidate in this election that will take place on December 14.
