Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, involved in controversy at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to challenge a new gender test, CAS confirmed Monday.
The court said Khelif is contesting the International Boxing Association’s (IBA) decision, which bars her from participating in upcoming World Boxing events without undergoing a preliminary genetic test.
Khelif was one of two Olympic champions who sparked debate over gender eligibility at Paris 2024, alongside Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting. Both won gold medals, but Khelif’s dominant opening bout, leaving her Italian opponent in tears, drew criticism from public figures including US politician JD Vance and author J.K. Rowling.
She filed her appeal on August 5, seeking to overturn World Boxing’s ruling and compete without taking the test. However, CAS rejected her request to suspend the decision, meaning she is unlikely to compete in the World Championships in Liverpool without the test.
Both Khelif and Lin have faced social media attacks, rumors about their biological sex, and disinformation campaigns. The issue has also affected women’s categories in athletics and swimming.
In May, World Boxing introduced mandatory gender testing for athletes competing in its events, later apologizing for publicly naming Khelif in connection with the new rules. Historically, genetic sex tests were used in the Olympics from 1968 to 1996 before being abandoned.
New IOC president Kirsty Coventry has announced plans to form a gender working group to address eligibility scientifically.
Khelif, 26, recently denied retirement rumors, accusing her former manager of making false statements and asserting that he no longer represents her.
This gender challenge is the update of the recent announcement about World Boxing Mandates Gender Screening for Paris Gold Medalist Khelif
