Imane Khelif Appeals to CAS Against World Boxing Decision
Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), challenging World Boxing’s (WB) decision requiring sex verification tests to participate in its competitions.
The CAS confirmed the claim of Khelif, 26, who has been the subject of controversies regarding his gender in recent years. The most recent was last summer, during his participation in the Paris Olympics, where he won the gold medal in the 66-kilo category.
Khelif filed his appeal on August 5, requesting the revocation of the World Boxing decision that prevents him from participating in the Eindhoven World Cup and other competitions until he undergoes a sex verification check.
In addition, the Algerian athlete seeks to have the CAS declare her eligible to participate in the World Boxing Championships, which will take place from September 4 to 14 in Liverpool (United Kingdom), without the need to undergo such tests.
The CAS has rejected Khelif’s request to suspend the execution of World Boxing’s decision while the hearing is ongoing.
World Boxing (WB), a federation backed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for boxing in the Games, implemented mandatory examinations from July 1st to verify the sex of boxers, both men and women.
This measure, the first of its kind in an Olympic federation, seeks to verify the biological gender of boxers to ensure safety and fair play in the competition.
Genetic tests, based on the PCR technique, are applied to people over 18 years of age to detect the SRY gene, present on the Y chromosome and responsible for male sexual characteristics. Nasal, buccal, saliva or blood samples are used.The World Boxing Protocol
WB has established a working group composed of personnel from its Medical and Anti-Doping Committee to analyze medical data and evidence, as well as consult with experts.
Boxers with genetic material from the Y chromosome or with differences in sexual development (DSD) who show a male hormonal profile will be able to compete in the men’s category.
Boxers considered women at birth, with XX chromosomes or with DSD without male androgens, will participate in the women’s tournament.
Chromosomal verification is an essential requirement for tournament registration. This measure will be applied in the ten women’s categories of the Liverpool tournament.
