According to a press release by AIBA, the AIBA Board of Directors held a meeting on Wednesday in person and virtually to discuss and approve key reforms. The event coincided with the ongoing AIBA Youth World Championships 2021. It began with expressing concern and support for the Jordanian boxer Rashed Al-Swaisat who endured serious injuries earlier in the tournament. The Board of Directors then considered a variety of developments with an aim at reforming AIBA.

AIBA President Umar Kremlev said, "We will now quickly turn our attention to securing the changes necessary to make AIBA one of the model and leading International Federations.”

Overall Strategy

President Kremlev outlined his intention to ensure that AIBA’s many and varied workstreams towards reform are brought together as part of a roadmap towards a strong future for the organisation and for boxing. He also outlined his commitment to ensuring that AIBA is supported by leading external organisations and individuals with experience of successful reform in an international sports leadership context. 

Governance Reform

AIBA has already had some success in improving its governance, including the size and role of the Board of Directors, the introduction of eligibility criteria for elected officials and the appointment of independents to important roles like its Ethics Committee, Disciplinary Committee, R&J Committee, Champions and Veterans Committee, Women’s Committee and others. 

Financial Integrity

A finance report was presented to the Board of Directors, reflecting the financial independence that has been secured through the signing sponsors agreements. A plan for the settlement of AIBA’s outstanding debts was approved as part of this report. In addition, a Finance Committee was formed with Felipe Martinez Martinez serving as representative of the Board of Directors alongside two external experts: Patrick Bosshard and Didier Wicht. 

“Before my election, I promised to ensure that AIBA’s debts would be settled through my efforts,” said President Kremlev. “As the leader of AIBA’s team, I am very proud to welcome a company, Gazprom, that has a track record of prestigious sports sponsorship. This partnership is more than financial and AIBA is grateful that Gazprom will also provide the expertise that comes with its status as a world leader in a vital area of the global economy, together with its and its social responsibility support and participation in social projects.”

Moreover, all National Federations will be provided with annual financial and equipment support. The Board of Directors approved criteria and procedures for this assistance. 

Sporting Integrity

The AIBA Board of Directors discussed the previous investigation by AIBA officials into the conduct of those involved with judging and refereeing at the boxing tournament of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. President Kremlev proposed that a fresh investigation be conducted by an Ad Hoc Investigation Committee, this time with independent oversight and involvement. The proposal was adopted.

“When boxers step into the ring, they must have complete confidence to know that they will be treated fairly and that their efforts will be counted properly. We are already making progress in this area, for example with the live scoring we have introduced for the first time at an AIBA Youth World Championships here in Poland,” said President Kremlev. 
 
“But when there are allegations of improper behaviour, it is right that they be investigated with independent oversight so that there can be full confidence in the investigation."

"Those who brought our sports in such a troubled condition, which are overcoming, should receive lifetime bans from boxing."

"The best boxers should always win, while AIBA should be a guarantor of transparency and honesty.”