Historic Extraordinary IBU Congress Marks Beginning of New Era for IBU

Munich, 19 October 2019: The IBU Extraordinary Congress today cemented its commitment to implementing the highest standards in good governance and transparency as it approved the new IBU Constitution, including the new Integrity Code and Biathlon Integrity Unit.

The new Constitution and all other documents brought to the Congress were unanimously approved. This included the introduction of a three-term limit for the IBU President and Executive Board members and a stringent vetting process for all IBU officials.

IBU President Olle Dahlin said:

“Over the last 12 months we have spoken a lot about change. We have spoken about the urgent need for change to ensure our athletes and all our stakeholders are protected. We have spoken about how we must change to protect our integrity and build trust. While we have made many changes along the way, today is the day that that change becomes a reality. With the approval of our new Constitution, aligned with international best practice, we have entered a new era for biathlon. There is no turning back. Transparency and integrity must be at the heart of everything we do.”

Jonathan Taylor QC, Chair of the External Review Commission (ERC) that helped draft the new Constitution, added:

“The IBU’s new Constitution is at the cutting edge of best practice. The changes place the IBU at the forefront of good governance and send out a message to the world that the IBU is ready to be transparent and accountable. Everyone can have confidence that any potential issues will be dealt with by a strong independent body. This puts the IBU in the lead of sports governance and sets an example for others to follow.”

The IBU Integrity Code reinforces the existing ethics code and the Anti-Doping Rules, ensuring that not  only are protections put in place but also greater power is given to investigating and sanctioning breaches of the Code. The independent Biathlon Integrity Unit (BIU), which also secured unanimous approval, will be responsible for investing and prosecuting such cases and will centrally manage all integrity-related matters. As a further important check and balance, all 'judicial' decisions will be made entirely independently of the IBU and of the BIU. Allegations by the BIU of anti-doping rule violations will be adjudicated by the new Anti-Doping Division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and allegations by the BIU of non-doping violations will be adjudicated by the CAS Ordinary Division.

The Congress also voted in favour to remain with the current voting system based on the principle of one country one vote.