The IBA has stated its belief that Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-Ting should not be competing at Paris 2024 without revealing much detail.
Tests undertaken by the boxers were not for elevated testosterone as first understood. The International Boxing Association [formerly AIBA], the amateur body overseeing the testing procedures and handing down bans to the pair, has explained.
However, the IBA refused to reveal what tests the pair failed, as speculation continues that they were gender-related for mixed chromosomes.
Before Khelif’s opponent withdrew after taking heavy punches on Thursday, IBA said, “Point to note, the athletes did not undergo a testosterone examination but were subject to a separate and recognized test, whereby the specifics remain confidential. This test conclusively indicated that both athletes did not meet the required necessary eligibility criteria and were found to have competitive advantages over other female competitors.
“The IBA Board of Directors subsequently ratified the decision made by IBA on 24 March 2023 on 25 March 2023. The official record of this decision can be accessed on the IBA website here: IBA Board of Directors Meeting Minutes.”
They added that “the disqualification was based on two tests performed during the IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships in Istanbul 2022 and the IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships in New Delhi 2023.”
Airing details of the appeal process, IBA continued, “Lin Yu-ting did not appeal the IBA’s decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), thus rendering the decision legally binding. Imane Khelif initially appealed the decision to CAS but withdrew the appeal during the process, making the IBA decision legally binding.”
IBA says Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-Ting should be disqualified
In summary, IBA remains steadfast in its decision not to allow either athlete to compete.
“Our Committees have rigorously reviewed and endorsed the decision made during the World Championships. While IBA remains committed to ensuring competitive fairness in all our events, we express concern over the inconsistent application of eligibility criteria by other sporting organizations, including those overseeing the Olympic Games.
“The IOC’s differing regulations on these matters, in which IBA is not involved, raise serious questions about both competitive fairness and athletes’ safety.”
Khelif has since been defended as ‘intersex’ while Lin was backed by the Taiwan authorities as being registered at birth as female.
The IOC still has a headache on its hands over whether to pull the pair from the Paris 2024 Games after a wave of controversy and Angela Carini’s decision to withdraw over the strength of her opponent Khelif’s punches.
Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, experienced boxing writer, and World Boxing News Editor since 2010. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
