Imane Khelif Denounces IBA Allegations Amid Legal Battle with IOC

Posted : 13 February 2025

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has strongly rejected allegations made by the International Boxing Association (IBA), calling them "false and offensive." The controversy stems from the IBA's recent announcement that it will sue the International Olympic Committee (IOC) over the inclusion of Khelif and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting in the women's boxing competition at last year's Olympic Games in Paris.

In a statement on social media, Khelif vowed to take all necessary legal action to protect her rights and uphold the principles of fair competition in sport. She also accused the IBA of using baseless claims to push its own agenda.

The IBA, which was removed from the Olympic movement in 2019 due to financial and ethical concerns, has argued that Khelif and Lin were ineligible for the 2023 World Championships after failing gender eligibility tests.

The organization claimed that both boxers carry XY chromosomes, which led to their exclusion under its regulations. However, neither athlete is transgender, and both were born and raised as women, as officially documented in their passports.

The IOC, which took over the organization of Olympic boxing in Paris following the IBA's suspension, has defended the inclusion of Khelif and Lin, stating that they have always competed in the women's category throughout their careers.

The issue has sparked further debate after the IBA linked its legal action to a recent executive order signed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, which aims to ban transgender athletes from competing in women's sports.

Medical experts have pointed out that the genetic variation cited by the IBA, known as differences in sex development (DSD), is a naturally occurring condition affecting a small percentage of the population.

The IOC has criticized the IBA's lawsuit as part of an ongoing campaign against the committee, emphasizing that its decision to remove the IBA from the Olympic movement was based on governance failures, judging inconsistencies, and financial irregularities.

In response, the IOC reiterated that Khelif and Lin were unfairly targeted by the IBA's sudden and arbitrary ruling, despite previously competing in IBA-sanctioned events without issue. The controversy highlights broader tensions between the IBA and the IOC, as well as the ongoing debate over eligibility rules in women's sports. Khelif remains determined to fight for her reputation and ensure that the principles of fairness and due process are upheld in international boxing competitions.

Imane Khelif Denounces IBA Allegations Amid Legal Battle with IOC

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