International Boxing Association (IBA) president Umar Kremlev has launched a scathing attack on the International Olympic Committee (IOC), accusing it of being “scared of the truth” regarding Imane Khelif’s gender eligibility. The criticism comes amidst a storm of controversy and debate following Khelif’s disqualification and subsequent clearance to compete at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The controversy began when Khelif, along with Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting, failed the IBA’s gender eligibility tests during the 2023 Boxing World Championships in India. Both athletes were disqualified after the IBA claimed they did not meet the necessary criteria to compete as women. The IBA initially provided vague information about the tests, stating that while the athletes did not undergo a testosterone examination, they were subject to a different, confidential test.
Kremlev, speaking to the media, accused the IOC of mishandling the situation. “They are scared of the truth,” Kremlev said during a video call from Russia. “We will make sure we protect our women. We call upon the best judges, investigators, and activists to defend women in sports.”
Despite the IBA’s findings, both Khelif and Lin were cleared to compete in the Olympics. This decision was made by the Paris Boxing Unit (PBU), an ad-hoc body set up by the IOC to oversee boxing at the Games, following the IOC’s decision to strip the IBA of its governing status due to concerns over governance and alleged ties to the Russian government.
The IOC’s decision to clear Khelif and Lin has sparked fierce debate. Khelif’s first opponent at the Olympics, Italy’s Angela Carini, withdrew from their bout after just 46 seconds, further fueling the controversy. IOC president Thomas Bach defended the decision, asserting there was “never any doubt” about Khelif and Lin’s gender.
In response to the ongoing scrutiny, the IBA provided additional details about the failed tests. According to Mike Keegan of The Daily Mail, IBA CEO Chris Roberts revealed that blood tests from 2022 and 2023 indicated Khelif and Lin had “XY chromosomes,” making them ineligible under IBA’s rules. However, Roberts added that the IBA could not disclose specific details due to medical confidentiality.
Khelif, who previously competed in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, has performed well in Paris, reaching the semi-finals in the welterweight category. Lin is also through to the semi-finals in the featherweight competition. Both athletes are guaranteed at least a bronze medal, as there is no third-place bout in Olympic boxing.
In her first interview at the Games, Khelif addressed the hostile scrutiny she has faced. “The hateful scrutiny harms human dignity,” Khelif stated. “I urge people to uphold Olympic principles and refrain from bullying athletes. It can destroy people’s spirits and divide us.”
As the debate continues, Kremlev’s remarks highlight the deepening rift between the IBA and the IOC over the handling of gender eligibility issues in boxing
