IBA Challenges IOC’s Decision on Khelif and Lin’s Olympic Participation

The International Boxing Association (IBA) has announced plans to file a formal complaint with the Swiss Attorney General against the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This action stems from the IOC’s decision to allow Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics, despite ongoing gender eligibility concerns.

Khelif and Lin secured gold medals in their respective weight categories at the Olympics, but their participation was surrounded by controversy. In 2023, both athletes were disqualified from the World Championships after failing gender eligibility tests, which revealed the presence of XY chromosomes typically associated with male biology. However, the IOC subsequently recognized them as female athletes for the Olympic Games.

The IBA has maintained its stance on the issue, recently confirming that Khelif will not be eligible to participate in the upcoming 2025 Women’s World Boxing Championships in Serbia. The organization emphasized its commitment to upholding strict eligibility criteria and conducting random gender tests throughout its championships.

This dispute has gained additional context following U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order prohibiting transgender women from competing in female sports. The IBA views this development as validation of its position on protecting fair competition in women’s boxing.

IBA President Umar Kremlev stated, “Our actions are aimed at ensuring gender equality in boxing. We encourage other International Federations to follow IBA’s lead in addressing this crucial issue and advocating for athletes’ rights.”

The legal action against the IOC represents a significant escalation in the ongoing debate over gender eligibility in sports, with potential implications for future Olympic competitions and international sporting events.