Boxing, weightlifting and modern pentathlon off list for LA Olympics in 2028 with football warned it faces axe

Boxing, weightlifting and modern pentathlon have all been left out of the initial programme of events for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, with football warned it could also face the axe.

Following a meeting in Beijing today, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said it would “continue to monitor the evolution of the international match calendar” in a veiled threat to FIFA over potential plans to host a World Cup every two years.

Meanwhile, the sporting trio of boxing, weightlifting and modern pentathlon could all yet be added to the calendar for the Games in the United States in six years’ time.

The IOC said the three sports needed to show they had addressed issues raised. Amateur boxing governing body AIBA has been mired in a scandal over its judging system with a recent investigation finding rigged fights at the 2016 Olympics.

Weightlifting has been ordered to eradicate a long history of doping, while modern pentathlon is in discussions on replacing its showjumping element.

In total, 28 sports have been included on the programme for LA 2028 with what the IOC called a “strong focus on youth”.

That means sport climbing, skateboarding and surfing, which all made their Olympic debuts in Tokyo last summer, remaining on the schedule.