The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has responded to World Boxing’s recent decision to ban Algerian boxer Imane Khelif from competing in female events without genetic screening proof of her gender eligibility.
“The IOC has always made it clear that eligibility criteria are the responsibility of the respective International Federation,” an IOC spokesperson stated. “The factors that matter to sports performance are unique to each sport, discipline, and/or event. We await the full details how sex testing will be implemented in a safe, fair and legally enforceable way.”
The controversy surrounding Khelif has resurfaced after World Boxing, the provisional organization set to govern boxing at the 2028 Olympics, announced that the 26-year-old would be barred from competing in future female events unless she provides genetic proof that she is female.
World Boxing has indicated they will introduce “mandatory testing” as part of “a new policy on ‘Sex, Age and Weight'” and sent a formal letter to the Algerian Boxing Federation regarding Khelif’s eligibility.
“Imane Khelif may not compete in the female category at the Eindhoven Box Cup or in any World Boxing event until Imane Khelif undergoes genetic screening in accordance with World Boxing’s rules and testing procedures,” the letter stated.
According to World Boxing’s requirements, Khelif must take a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test that can “detect specific genetic material” through various sampling methods. To be cleared for competition, the results would need to show an absence of Y chromosome genetic material.
This marks the latest chapter in an ongoing debate about Khelif’s eligibility. During the Paris Olympics, Khelif won gold in the 66kg women’s competition but faced significant backlash amid questions about her gender eligibility.
Prior to the Olympics, Khelif had been banned from competing at the World Championships in New Delhi by the International Boxing Association (IBA), which claimed she failed unspecified gender tests. However, the IBA was subsequently stripped of its Olympic governing status and replaced by the Paris Boxing Unit (PBU), which cleared Khelif to participate based on her female passport.
3 Wire Sports has published what they claim is an “abnormal” official test result from Dr Lal PathLabs in New Delhi from March 17 that allegedly showed a “male karyotype.”
Throughout the controversy, Khelif has consistently contested the IBA’s findings and has indicated plans to pursue professional boxing, stating she has received offers to do so.
The case continues to raise complex questions about gender eligibility in sports and how governing bodies establish and implement related policies.
