LAUSANNE, Switzerland — Softball's world governing body told its members they must break their ties with baseball to help the sport get back into the Olympics.

The International Softball Federation has asked 35 of its 131 national bodies that are affiliated with other sports to become independent and present a stronger identity to the Olympic movement.

Softball and baseball are competing to be restored to the 2016 Olympics after both were voted off the London 2012 program by the International Olympic Committee. Softball officials say their sport has been hurt by baseball's doping scandals and inability to ensure the participation of top players in the Olympics.

"This move will prevent some of the confusion that exists surrounding softball's links with other sports," ISF president Don Porter said in a statement Thursday, adding that all members should be independent within two years. "We're confident that all our national federations are strong enough to stand on their own."

Softball debuted at the 1996 Atlanta Games and the United States won the first three gold medals. The U.S. lost for the first time in Beijing, falling to Japan in the gold medal match. Australia took bronze.

The IOC will vote on which sports to include in the 2016 Games at a meeting next October in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Golf, karate, seven-a-side rugby, squash and roller sports are also contending for the two slots for new sports.