The International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) mourns the passing of our esteemed colleague and dear friend, Volker Bernardi.
Volker was a lifelong champion of sport, dedicating his career to the promotion of its core values and the advancement of international sports governance. A highly respected sports lawyer and administrator, he served with integrity and passion across numerous roles, most notably as Executive Director of the World Flying Disc Federation from 2011. Under his leadership, the federation flourished, earning recognition and respect across the global sporting community.
Volker’s unwavering commitment to fairness, inclusion, and good governance set a powerful example. His expertise in sports law and steadfast advocacy for transparency and ethical leadership left a lasting mark on the organisations and individuals he supported.
He was also a close ally of IFMA and the wider Muaythai family. From our earliest engagements, Volker stood alongside us—offering counsel, encouragement, and friendship. He played an important role in several United Through Sports initiatives and was deeply committed to using sport as a tool for positive social change.
Volker’s legacy lives on in the institutions he helped strengthen, the youth he inspired, and the values he so passionately upheld.
On behalf of the entire IFMA family, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife Silke, his family, and his loved ones. As a mark of gratitude and respect, the IFMA flag will be lowered in his honour—a small tribute to a man who gave so much to sport and to humanity.