Kazakhstan Boxing Officials Dropped from Olympics

In a significant development during the ongoing Olympic boxing tournament, two Kazakh officials, Alisher Altayev and Yermek Suiyenish, have been removed from the referees’ and judging selection pool. This decision comes after both officials had overseen nearly 50 bouts prior to their dismissal, raising questions about the integrity of the officiating process at the Games. Alisher Altayev, who had judged 25 fights and refereed an additional seven contests in Paris until August 4, was identified as being at “high risk” of corruption. This assessment was made by Professor Richard McLaren, known for his investigations into state-sponsored doping in Russia. Following these findings, the International Boxing Association (IBA) took action in May 2023, standing down Altayev from his officiating duties. The removal of Altayev and Suiyenish occurred just before the crucial medal bouts, highlighting the ongoing scrutiny of boxing officiating at the Olympics. Reports indicate that a total of nine officials categorized as high-risk were selected to officiate in Paris, raising concerns about the oversight and selection processes in place. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is under pressure to ensure the integrity of the sport, especially in light of past controversies surrounding boxing officiating. The situation underscores the need for transparency and accountability in Olympic sports, as officials play a critical role in maintaining fair competition.