Algerian boxing champion Imane Khelif denounces gender accusations from IBA, calling them an attack on her rights and fair competition. The International Boxing Association (IBA) recently escalated tensions by filing criminal complaints against the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in the U.S., France, and Switzerland. The IBA argues that the IOC’s decision to allow female boxers like Khelif to compete in the Paris 2024 Olympics is a legal offense. Khelif responded in an Instagram post, asserting that she will fight back through legal avenues to uphold her right to compete.
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IBA’s Legal Attack on the IOC
Why is the IBA targeting the Olympic Committee?
The IBA, now banned from the Olympics, accuses the IOC of violating competition laws by permitting Imane Khelif and other female boxers to compete. Their argument cites an executive order on transgender athletes signed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, even though Khelif has publicly stated she was assigned female at birth.
Algerian boxer Imane Khelif and Taiwanese fighter Liu Yu-Ting were both disqualified from the 2023 IBA-run World Championships, allegedly for failing gender eligibility tests. However, the Associated Press reported that the IOC has refuted these claims, asserting that both athletes comply with the Olympic rulebook and meet all necessary eligibility requirements for competition.
Khelif Speaks Out: “I Will Defend My Rights”
Imane Khelif’s Response to the IBA’s Accusations
In a powerful Instagram statement, Khelif made it clear that she will take legal action to defend her rights:
“Those responsible of these actions must be held accountable, and we will pursue all available legal avenues to ensure that justice prevails,”
Her statement has received widespread support from athletes and fans, who believe the IBA’s accusations are politically motivated. The IOC also backed Khelif, stating that she meets all eligibility criteria and was unfairly targeted by the IBA’s regulations.
