Following a split and extended governance concerns, along with leadership conflicts within the African Boxing Confederation (AFBC), the International Boxing Association (IBA) has established a Normalisation Committee in accordance with the Constitution. This critical decision comes in response to the continued, sustained and deep divisions that have undermined the unity and credibility of African boxing.

In October 2024, numerous AFBC National Federations raised serious concerns about a lack of transparency and governance failures under the current continental leadership. These National Federations formally requested immediate intervention, including fresh elections, to rectify those concerns. Compounding the crisis, a group of AFBC officials during an unauthorized meeting in Kinshasa on 24 October 2024 performed unsanctioned activities under their own governance, intensifying divisions within the Confederation.

Further exacerbating tensions, two conflicting congresses were held in Dubai in December 2024. The legitimate congress, convened by the IBA-recognized AFBC President, garnered broad support from National Federations. Conversely, a second, unauthorized congress organized by a breakaway group deepened existing divisions and created confusion among AFBC members.

Since January 2025, repeated attempts by the IBA Head Office to mediate and reconcile the factions have been unsuccessful, as involved parties demonstrated limited willingness to resolve the conflict amicably.

Consequently, the IBA Board of Directors has invoked Article 14.5 of the IBA Constitution to establish a Normalisation Committee, tasked with immediate intervention to stabilize AFBC. The committee, composed of two IBA Directors, one IBA Vice President, four key African boxing stakeholders, and supported by the IBA Secretary General and CEO, will temporarily oversee all AFBC operations.

Normalisation Committee’s primary mandate includes addressing governance issues, managing AFBC’s daily affairs, and organizing a legitimate congress to elect and form a new leadership aligned with the core values and mission of IBA. All decisions taken by the Normalisation Committee will be binding for AFBC, its governing bodies, and affiliated National Federations.  The committee will be launched with immediate effect.

This decisive action reaffirms IBA’s commitment to safeguarding integrity, transparency, and unity in boxing across Africa and worldwide.

________________

Media contacts:

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

Share on Facebook

Tweet