The controversy surrounding gender eligibility in Olympic boxing has taken a legal turn, with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) facing a lawsuit over the inclusion of two athletes at Paris 2024.
The International Boxing Association (IBA), a Russian-led organization, has filed legal action against the IOC for allowing Imane Khelif of Algeria and Lin Yu-ting of Taiwan to compete despite previous disqualifications.
Disqualification and the Legal Dispute
Khelif and Lin won gold medals in their respective boxing categories at last summer’s Olympics, but both had been disqualified from the 2023 World Championships after failing gender eligibility tests.
Despite these prior disqualifications, the IOC permitted their participation in the Paris Games, arguing that the IBA had not provided sufficient evidence of the failed tests.
Now, the IBA is taking the matter to court, challenging the IOC’s decision and alleging that it jeopardized the fairness of competition.
The organization is filing complaints in Switzerland, France, and the USA, citing legal concerns over the IOC’s handling of gender eligibility rules.
Trump’s Executive Order and the IBA’s Stance
The legal action comes in the wake of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order banning transgender women from competing in female sports.
The IBA has pointed to this decision as validation of its stance, emphasizing that it aims to uphold the integrity of women’s boxing.
IBA President Umar Kremlev has taken a strong position, stating that allowing ineligible athletes to compete is a violation of human rights and an affront to female boxers.
He also criticized IOC President Thomas Bach, suggesting that he should be held accountable and potentially required to compensate affected athletes if the courts rule in the IBA’s favor.
Financial and Legal Support for Athletes
In addition to filing its lawsuit, the IBA has pledged financial and legal assistance to any boxers who wish to take independent legal action over the issue.
The organization is positioning itself as a defender of gender equality in boxing and insists that proper eligibility standards must be enforced.
IOC vs. IBA: An Ongoing Feud
This legal battle is the latest chapter in an ongoing conflict between the IOC and the IBA.
In 2023, the IOC stripped the IBA of its status as boxing’s governing body, citing financial and ethical concerns.
As a result, the boxing competition at the last Olympics was overseen by the IOC, which made the call to allow Khelif and Lin to compete.
With the legal process now underway, the dispute is far from over.
The question remains: will the courts side with the IBA, or will the IOC’s decision be upheld?
The outcome could have lasting implications for gender eligibility rules in Olympic sports.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn