World Boxing Apologizes to Imane Khelif After Naming the Athlete in Sex-Test Announcement

World Boxing has formally apologized to Olympic gold medalist Imane Khelif after the athlete was singled out in its recent announcement about mandatory sex testing for athletes.

According to a statement sent to NTD News, Khelif—who won gold for Algeria at the 2024 Paris Olympics—was specifically mentioned in World Boxing’s statement last Friday outlining new eligibility rules for competitors. The international group is set to oversee Olympic boxing at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

In response, World Boxing president Boris van der Vorst reached out to the Algerian Boxing Federation to apologize for the organization’s actions.

“World Boxing recognizes that it should not have named the person and, as a result, the president of World Boxing has written personally to the president of the Algerian Boxing Federation to offer a formal and sincere apology which acknowledges that greater effort should have been made to avoid linking the policy to any individual,” World Boxing said in an emailed statement.

The organization said it could not share the letter itself as it is private correspondence.

Khelif’s eligibility has been the subject of international debate since Khelif and Lin Yu-ting of Taiwan were disqualified by the International Boxing Association (IBA) from the 2023 World Championships after allegedly failing an unspecified eligibility test.

Despite the IBA’s decision, the International Olympic Committee permitted both boxers to compete in Paris, applying the sex eligibility rules used at previous Olympics.

Mandatory Testing

World Boxing’s new policy, announced May 30, requires all athletes over 18 to undergo a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) genetic test to determine their sex at birth before competing in its events.

The PCR test, which can be performed using a mouth or nasal swab, saliva, or blood, detects the SRY gene—an indicator of the Y chromosome and biological sex, according to a news release from the organization.

The policy, described as being in its final stages, is intended to “ensure the safety of all participants and deliver a competitive level playing field for men and women,” the organization said in a statement.

“It is essential that strict categories determined by sex are maintained and enforced, and means that World Boxing will only operate competitions for athletes categorized as male or female.”

If an athlete competing in the women’s category is found to have male chromosomal material, “initial screenings will be referred to independent clinical specialists for genetic screening, hormonal profiles, anatomical examination or other valuation of endocrine profiles by medical specialists,” World Boxing stated.

The new policy also provides for an appeals process for athletes.

Until Khelif completes the mandatory testing, Khelif will not be able to participate in the female category at the 2025 Eindhoven Box Cup in the Netherlands or any other World Boxing event.

Dignity and Fairness

World Boxing said the decision to implement mandatory testing “reflects concerns over the safety and well-being of all boxers, including Imane Khelif, and aims to protect the mental and physical health of all participants in light of some of the reactions that have been expressed.

“World Boxing respects the dignity of all individuals and its overriding priority is to ensure safety and competitive fairness to all athletes,” the group stated.

The organization includes over 100 member federations and is set to replace the IBA as the Olympic boxing authority.

Khelif, 26, had planned to return to international competition at the Eindhoven Box Cup this month. Despite the controversy, Khelif intends to box at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

World Boxing’s new policy will take effect July 1, and athletes who do not comply may face exclusion from competition and possible sanctions for themselves or their national federations.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

From NTD News