BFI Officials Cry Foul Over Unilateral Decision on Hosting World Boxing Cup Final in Nov 2025

New Delhi: The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) is reeling from internal turmoil over a unilateral announcement by top leadership to host the sport's World Cup Final in November 2025, leaving key officials feeling disenfranchised and questioning the federation's transparency.

The controversy erupted earlier this month when BFI unilaterally announced that it would host the World Boxing Cup Final - a ranking tournament marking the culmination of three World Boxing Cups to be held in 2025. The hosting rights were offered by Swiss-headquartered World Boxing (WB), led by Dutch Boris van der Vorst, to BFI President Ajay Singh during the recently-held World Boxing Congress.

However, several BFI officials have come forward alleging that the announcement was made without either informing the executive committee or convening a General Body Meeting (GBM) of members. The officers expressed surprise and dismay over the decision, citing concerns over financial viability and lack of consultative process.

"What about the financial part of hosting a World Cup and where the money is going to come from?" an official said, stressing that the executive committee should have been taken into confidence on such a major announcement.

The BFI's actions have also raised eyebrows due to recent developments in its relationship with rival governing bodies. The federation officially severed ties with Russian Umar Kremlev-led International Boxing Association (IBA) in September-October this year, with Singh also resigning from the post of IBA Vice President.

Additionally, a case has been filed at the Lausanne-based Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against BFI by the IBA over a disputed host city agreement for conducting the Women's World Boxing Championships in New Delhi last year. The IBA is seeking Rs 5 crore from BFI as compensation and expects a hearing to begin next year.

Given the ongoing power struggle within the federation, a recent election to the new executive committee (EC) due in March next year has also reignited concerns over decision-making processes.

"These decisions should have been taken by the incoming office-bearers," another official pointed out. "The current leadership's actions have created confusion and raised questions about the future direction of the federation."