UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) has written urgently to the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) after learning that an Israeli athlete has once again been denied recognition of his nationality at an upcoming IFMA competition, despite prior assurances that the discriminatory practice would end.

In a letter sent on 14 November 2025, UKLFI expressed dismay that Israeli competitor, Maxim Branis, has been designated as “AIN” (Individual Neutral Athlete) – effectively concealing his Israeli nationality – in official information for the European Championships due to begin in Athens on 17 November 2025. UKLFI notes that this follows IFMA’s previous exclusion of Israeli flags and symbols, a practice that IFMA’s Secretary General, Stephan Fox, reportedly undertook to end after two recent tournaments.

UKLFI emphasises that such treatment is unlawful, discriminatory, and in direct breach of IFMA’s constitutional guarantees of non-discrimination. In its earlier detailed letter of 7 August 2025, UKLFI set out multiple constitutional violations arising from IFMA’s exclusion of Israeli national symbols, highlighting:

• IFMA’s Preamble, which affirms participation in Muaythai “without discrimination of any kind”;
• Articles 2.5 and 2.9, which prohibit discrimination on national or political grounds; and
• Article 21.2, which requires national flags and anthems to be used during medal ceremonies.

UKLFI stresses that IFMA has no constitutional authority to impose what amounts to a sanction against Israel, noting that no disciplinary process has been followed and that the measure is neither temporary nor neutral in effect.

In its new letter, UKLFI also draws attention to the Fundamental Principles of Olympism, bearing in mind that Muay Thai and IFMA are fully recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and were featured as a demonstration sport at the Paris Olympics.

The discriminatory treatment of Israeli athletes appears to breach the Fundamental Principles of Olympism, particularly:

• Article 4, prohibiting discrimination of any kind;
• Article 5, requiring political neutrality; and
• Article 6, ensuring access to sport without discrimination.

Because of IFMA’s Olympic recognition, UKLFI has copied the letter to senior IOC officials, including the Director of NOC Relations and the President of the Israel Olympic Committee, urging them to consider the consequences of IFMA’s conduct.

With the European Championships imminent, UKLFI has requested an immediate response from IFMA and reiterated its expectation that Israeli athletes be treated equally and lawfully. UKLFI reserves all rights to pursue further action, including escalation to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), should the discriminatory policy continue.