▪️”National Federations can nominate as many people as they want, candidates do not have to belong to the federation that nominates them,” says IBA Secretary-General & CEO Chris Roberts OBE
August 25, 2026
The International Boxing Association (IBA) has officially opened nominations for its Election Congress, scheduled for December 5, 2026, in Istanbul, Turkey.
Announcing this today, the IBA Secretary-General & CEO Chris Roberts OBE, said in a massive shakeup aimed at boosting governance, the IBA is shrinking its Board of Directors from 18 members down to just 13.
“National Federations worldwide are now being urged to put forward their best candidates to shape the future of global boxing,” said Roberts in the letter to all IBA National Federations worldwide.
The upcoming elections will decide the vital leadership roles for the organization:
One (1) President
Twelve (12) Independent Directors (with a strict rule ensuring at least one director represents each continent) in line with Article 24.1 of the Constitution and reduction in size of the IBA Board from 18 members to 13
“National Federations can nominate as many people as they want, candidates do not have to belong to the federation that nominates them,” said Roberts in the letter.
“There is no official female quota, but the IBA is strongly encouraging federations to nominate qualified women.
“For the Independent Director spots, the IBA is searching for experts in finance, marketing, sports science, athlete welfare, or individuals with exceptional sporting ability.”
Roberts stressed the IBA is promising an unprecedented level of due diligence.
“Every single applicant will undergo a comprehensive eligibility assessment. This includes independent background checks run by an external provider.
“Following these strict reviews, the Boxing Independent Integrity Unit (BIIU) Nominations Unit is expected to narrow the field down to a competitive pool of at least 24 top candidates.”
Deadlines & How to Apply
The application process must be completed entirely online through the official portal at IBA 2026 elections – IBA.
“Because of the heavy paperwork and mandatory supporting documents required, applicants are warned to start early,” said Roberts.
Final Application Deadline:
Friday, October 2, 2026, at 18:00 CET.
Official Candidates List Published:
November 16, 2026, at the latest.
For questions regarding the rules, the IBA Constitution, or the Regulations on Congress and Elections, federations can contact the organization directly via email at info@iba.sport.
Roberts went on: “As part of IBA’s commitment to the highest standards of governance, the application process requires careful preparation. Applicants should allow sufficient time to complete the required information and gather all mandatory supporting documents before submitting their application.
“The application process must be completed online at: IBA 2026 elections – IBA
“Should you have any questions at any stage of the electoral process, please do not hesitate to contact us by email at info@iba.sport.
“You may also refer to the IBA Constitution and the Regulations on Congress and Elections, which contain the relevant provisions governing the electoral process.
“National Federations are not limited in the number of nominations they may submit, candidates may be nominated by any National Federation (Article 26.1 of the Constitution), and there is no requirement that a candidate be affiliated with the nominating National Federation.
“While there is no minimum quota for female candidates, National Federations are strongly encouraged to nominate qualified women candidates.
“The final deadline for applications is Friday, 2 October 2026, 18:00 CET.”
The list of eligible candidates will be published by 16 November 2026 at the latest. Prior to being confirmed as an eligible candidate, each applicant will undergo a comprehensive eligibility assessment.
This includes an unprecedented level of due diligence, with all candidates subject to independent background checks conducted by an external provider.
Roberts said for candidates seeking election as Independent Directors, the assessment will also include an evaluation of their skills and experience to identify that best placed to contribute to the future leadership of IBA.
“The skills sought include expertise in finance, marketing, exceptional sporting ability, sports science and athlete welfare among others. Following its assessment, the BIIU Nominations Unit is expected to select at least 24 candidates for the election,” Roberts explained, adding: “Candidates for the position of Independent Director will also be required to answer specific questions and provide additional information to enable the BIIU Nominations Unit to assess their experience and expertise against the Board’s skills map.
We encourage all eligible candidates to submit an application and take this opportunity to contribute to the future leadership and continued development of our sport.”
