Imane Khelif Barred from World Boxing Championships Amid Sex Testing Controversy

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif will not compete at the upcoming World Boxing Championships in Liverpool as a row over mandatory genetic sex testing continues to overshadow her career. The 25-year-old has not been entered into the competition by her national federation, while she challenges World Boxing’s new eligibility rules at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

World Boxing introduced mandatory PCR genetic testing for all female athletes in May, less than a year after Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting both won gold at the Paris Games amid controversy over gender eligibility. The new regulations require every boxer to undergo testing as part of their documentation before competing in the governing body’s events.

Speaking on Wednesday, World Boxing president Boris van der Vorst said Khelif was entitled to appeal the decision but stressed the organisation’s stance on the issue.

“She has the right to do this (appeal),” he explained. “For us, it’s important to stress that we introduced mandatory testing in order to have safe and competitive competitions, fair competitions. We announced it in May, and for us, everyone is equal. Every woman here has to submit several documents, including the sex testing.”

Asked whether Khelif would have failed the test, Van der Vorst refused to speculate. “It’s too early to draw conclusions. She has simply not entered on behalf of her own federation here in Liverpool.”

The Algerian Boxing Federation has not commented publicly on the matter. Lin Yu-ting, who was also drawn into the eligibility row in Paris, will also be absent from Liverpool after her federation chose not to submit her entry.

Balancing fairness and inclusion

World Boxing’s policy has drawn both support and criticism, with advocates arguing it ensures safety in a combat sport while critics see it as invasive and discriminatory. Van der Vorst admitted he regretted naming Khelif directly in the initial announcement earlier this year but defended the principle behind the rules.

“Boxing is a combat sport and it is important to have safe and fair competitions,” he said. “For us, that’s really crucial. I think it’s an important step that we show we want to protect female boxing.”