The International Boxing Association (IBA) has announced its decision to take legal action against the International Olympic Committee (IOC) over the participation of Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting in the women’s boxing tournaments at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. This move follows the recent executive order by U.S. President Donald Trump, which bans transgender women from competing in women’s sports categories in the United States.

IBA’s Stance on Gender Eligibility

The IBA, chaired by Umar Kremlev, has long maintained strict gender eligibility rules. In 2023, it disqualified Khelif and Lin from the World Championships in New Delhi after gender tests allegedly revealed high testosterone levels and XY chromosomes. Despite these findings, the IOC allowed both athletes to compete in Paris, where they went on to win gold medals in their respective categories. The IBA argues that this decision denied opportunities to other female boxers and undermined fairness in women’s sports.

In response, the IBA announced that it would file an official complaint with the Swiss Attorney General, Stefan Blätter, accusing the IOC of facilitating the participation of ineligible athletes. Additional complaints will also be lodged with the Attorneys General of France and the United States.

IBA President: Trump’s Order Validates Our Efforts

President Umar Kremlev defended the IBA’s stance, stating:

“President Trump’s order validates our efforts to protect the integrity of women’s sports. Our actions aim to ensure gender equality in boxing. We urge other International Federations to follow our example and uphold fair competition.”

The IBA is also offering legal support to boxers who feel disadvantaged by the IOC’s decision. Kremlev called for IOC President Thomas Bach and Sports Director Kit McConnell to be held accountable, urging impacted athletes to pursue lawsuits against them.

“The IBA will provide comprehensive and free legal support to our boxers in these lawsuits. This is a clear violation of human rights and a crime that must be punished,” Kremlev added.

Paris 2024 Controversy and Athlete Reactions

The controversy surrounding Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting intensified during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Khelif secured gold in the 66-kilogram category, but her dominant performances, including a powerful knockout win in just 46 seconds, led to criticism from rival athletes. Italian boxer Angela Carini was among those who protested Khelif’s participation, arguing that her high testosterone levels provided an unfair advantage.

Lin Yu-ting, who won gold in the 57-kilogram category, also faced scrutiny. After her victory, she made four bows to acknowledge the audience before kneeling in the ring, visibly relieved after enduring criticism throughout the tournament.