The debate around the role of politics in international sport and the treatment of athletes from different countries continues to intensify. Recent statements by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that sanctions should not be imposed on athletes from counries involved in the Middle Eastern conflict have sparked renewed discussions about consistency, fairness and the future of the Olympic movement.

Commenting on the situation, International Boxing Association (IBA) President Umar Kremlev sharply criticized what he described as double standards in the approach of global sports governance and called for sweeping reforms within the Olympic system.

“The IOC’s statement that sanctions should not be imposed on athletes from countries involved in the Middle Eastern conflict is the peak of cynicism and clear double standards. Not excluding anyone is the only right decision, but for some reason the careers of athletes from Russia and Belarus had to be sacrificed for the Olympic movement to reach this point,” said Kremlev.

According to the IBA President, the Olympic movement must undergo fundamental change in order to restore trust among athletes and fans.

“The new leadership of the IOC must finally get rid of the old order and the rat Thomas Bach, whose team is still dragging the Olympic movement to the bottom,” Kremlev said.

Kremlev also called for reforms aimed at strengthening the financial position of athletes and ensuring they benefit from the value they create within the global sports ecosystem.

“I hope that at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles prize money will be introduced in all sports and that athletes will compete under their own flags and anthems,” he said. “This will allow participants to earn money that the IOC collects from advertising contracts thanks to the athletes themselves.”

The IBA President argued that athletes and coaches should receive a fair share of revenues generated by international sporting events.

“All this money rightfully belongs to the athletes and their coaches, not to officials enjoying five-star hotels and luxurious gala dinners. It is time to stop this injustice,” Kremlev said.

Calling for immediate change, Kremlev stressed that the Olympic movement must prioritize athletes and restore credibility to international sport.

“The Olympic movement must remove the tumour that is destroying it and leading to scandals and corruption. As an ambassador of sports, I demand immediate and radical reforms,” he stated.

Kremlev pointed to the International Boxing Association as an example of a sports organization that focuses on the interests of athletes, coaches and national federations.

“IBA is an example of such reforms, where everything is done to create the best conditions for athletes, coaches and national federations. On our podium there are always boxers, not politics. IBA is an independent organization that does not pursue private interests. All earned funds are reinvested in athletes, allowing them to earn money and support their families,” he said.

Kremlev concluded by calling on the global sports community to prioritize unity and fair competition.

“All disputes and conflicts must be resolved only in sports arenas within sporting competitions,” he added.