Lausanne, Switzerland. The International Boxing Association (IBA) has formally approved a new Policy on Centralised Operations of Continental Units, establishing a single global operational structure and dissolving the former continental confederation model. The reform, adopted by the IBA Board of Directors following the constitutional amendments approved at the 2025 IBA Ordinary Congress, replaces all continental offices with a unified structure operating under the authority of the IBA Head Office in Lausanne.

Effective from 13 December 2025, the African, American, Asian, European and Oceanian Boxing Confederations no longer hold executive, regulatory, financial, event management or officiating authority. All such powers are now centralised within the IBA.

Under the new framework, the IBA has established the IBA Continental Operations Desk (IBA COD), a single global operational unit working under the direct supervision of the IBA Secretary General & CEO, on behalf of the IBA President.

The IBA COD assumes full responsibility for:

• Event sanctioning, calendar management, rankings and technical delivery
• Appointment, education and evaluation of referees and judges
• Governance oversight and compliance monitoring of National Federations
• Financial support distribution and centralised procurement
• Digital infrastructure, athlete registration and competition data management
  

According to the Policy, the objective of the reform is to ensure uniform implementation of IBA regulations worldwide, increase operational efficiency and transparency, strengthen governance accountability, and guarantee equal treatment for all National Federations regardless of geography.

While Continental Units will continue to exist under Continental Unit Presidents, their role will be consultative and promotional. All statutory, regulatory and financial authority is now exercised exclusively by the IBA Head Office.

“This reform represents a decisive step toward a stronger, more transparent and professionally managed global boxing structure. By centralising operations, we are ensuring that every National Federation operates under the same standards, with clear accountability and consistent service delivery. The establishment of the IBA Continental Operations Desk allows us to eliminate duplication, strengthen governance oversight and provide faster, more effective operational support worldwide”, – said Chris Roberts OBE, IBA Secretary General & CEO.

The transition period is set at 180 days and includes staff integration, asset and digital migration, dissolution of regional contracts and continuity of continental events under direct IBA supervision.

The new centralised model officially takes full effect as of 19 February 2026.