The International Boxing Association (IBA) has hit back at the International Olympic Committee (IOC), claiming that its decision to disqualify Imane Kheriff and Lin Yuting from the 2023 World Championships was “justified” based on testing that year and in 2022.
The IBA said the World Boxing Federation, which was established as boxing’s governing body after the IOC split, had fielded ineligible athletes in its recently announced tournaments. Khelif was eligible to compete in two World Boxing Federation tournaments earlier this year.
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The split is between Imane Kheriff on the left and Lin Yuting on the right. (Getty Images)
“It is simply incomprehensible why any organisation would expose a boxer to the risk of serious injury within the ‘field of play’ (FOP). The referee’s primary role in the ring is to ensure the safety of the boxers at all times. How can this be reasonably practicable when the boxers are not eligible to compete?” the IBA said.
“The IBA puts the safety and health of athletes first and would never support boxing matches between men and women. We protect women and their right to compete in the ring against equal opponents and will defend and support them in all circumstances. Women’s hopes and dreams must never be snatched away by an organisation that is unwilling to do the right thing in difficult circumstances.”
“The IBA maintains its existing position and will continue to support all athletes within the spirit of the rules.”
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Delegates sit in front of the association’s logo at the founding meeting of the new World Boxing Association. (Arne Dedert/Photo Alliance via Getty Images)
“Based on DNA tests, it has become clear that several athletes tried to pose as women to deceive their colleagues,” IBA president Umar Kremlev said at the time Kherif was disqualified.
“Tests revealed that he had XY chromosomes. Such athletes are excluded from competition.”
The IOC maintained its position that Kheriff will be allowed to compete at the Olympics, despite the outrage sparked by Thursday’s match against Angela Carini and whether Lin will be able to compete on Friday.
“These two athletes are victims of a sudden and arbitrary decision by the IBA,” the IOC said. “They were suddenly disqualified, without due process, towards the end of the 2023 IBA World Championships.”
“According to the minutes of the meeting, available on the IBA website, the decision was initially made by the IBA Secretary General and CEO alone. The IBA Board subsequently endorsed it and subsequently requested that a procedure be established to be followed in future similar cases and reflected in IBA regulations. The minutes also state that the IBA should “establish clear procedures regarding sex testing.”
The International Olympic Committee flag was raised during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics. (Christophe Petit Tesson/PA Image, Getty Images)
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“The current attack against these two athletes is based entirely on this arbitrary decision, which was made without due process, particularly given that these two athletes have competed together at the highest level of competition for many years.”
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