What International Olympic Committee Said On Imane Khelif Controversy
In a joint statement, the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit (PBU) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) addressed the controversy surrounding Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who has been at the center of a heated debate due to her eligibility to compete in the women’s boxing category at the Paris Olympics. The IOC emphasised that “every person has the right to practise sport without discrimination,” and reaffirmed that all athletes participating in the Paris 2024 boxing tournament comply with the competition’s eligibility, entry regulations, and all applicable medical regulations set by the PBU.
The controversy arose after Khelif, along with Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting, was disqualified from the IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships in March 2023 for not meeting the eligibility criteria. The IOC pointed out that these athletes have been competing in international women’s boxing competitions for years, including at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and IBA-sanctioned tournaments. The statement highlighted that the disqualification by the International Boxing Association (IBA) was “a sudden and arbitrary decision,” made without due process, and was only ratified by the IBA Board after the fact.
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The IOC and PBU condemned the IBA’s actions, noting that “such an approach is contrary to good governance” and that eligibility rules should not be changed during an ongoing competition without following appropriate procedures and scientific evidence. The IOC expressed concern over the “aggression” faced by Khelif and Lin due to the IBA’s decision, stating that the current treatment of these athletes is unfair and undermines their rights.
The statement also touched upon the broader implications for the sport of boxing, reminding that the IOC had withdrawn recognition of the IBA in 2023 due to governance issues, a decision later upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The IOC reiterated its commitment to ensuring that human rights are respected for all athletes participating in the Olympic Games, aligning with the Olympic Charter and the IOC Code of Ethics.
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In light of the controversy, the IOC made it clear that it expects National Boxing Federations to reach a consensus on establishing a new International Federation to secure boxing’s place in the Olympic Games program for Los Angeles 2028.
This statement comes as the debate around Khelif’s eligibility continues to garner significant attention, particularly after her controversial victory over Italian boxer Angela Carini at the Paris Olympics. The IOC stressed that despite the challenges, it remains committed to fairness and transparency in the Olympic movement.
