Taiwan’s sports authorities are warning the International Boxing Association of potential legal action over inaccuracies in a gender eligibility dispute. The IBA claims Lin Yu-ting (Taiwan) and Imane Khelif (Algeria) don’t meet eligibility criteria for the Paris Olympics. Taiwan accuses the IBA of m
Taiwan’s sports authorities have warned the International Boxing Association of potential legal action due to the continued dissemination of inaccurate details regarding a dispute over gender qualifications for the Olympic Games.
International Boxing Association claimed that the IOC had jeopardized women’s sports by allowing Lin Yu-ting from Taiwan and Imane Khelif from Algeria to compete in the Paris Olympics.
The Controversy
- Gender Eligibility Dispute: Two female boxers, Lin Yu-ting (Taiwan) and Imane Khelif (Algeria), have qualified for the Olympic Games but are at the centre of a gender eligibility controversy.
- IBA’s Stance: The International Boxing Association (IBA) claims these boxers do not meet their gender eligibility criteria based on undisclosed tests and has banned them from previous competitions. Chris Roberts, CEO of IBA stated “The results of the chromosome tests demonstrated both boxers were ineligible,”
- IOC’s Stance: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has cleared the boxers to compete, asserting they meet the eligibility criteria.
Taiwan’s Response
- Legal Action Threat: Taiwan’s sports administration has threatened legal action against the IBA for “continued publication of false information.”
- Accusations: They accuse the IBA of misleading the public and interfering with the Olympic Games.
- Seeking Redress: Taiwan’s Olympic committee has appointed a lawyer to send a warning letter to the IBA and reserves the right to file a lawsuit.
IBA’s Actions and Criticisms
- Chaotic Press Conference: The IBA held a chaotic press conference to defend its stance, with contradictory statements from different officials.
- Questionable Claims: The IBA’s claims about the boxers’ gender eligibility are based on undisclosed tests and have been met with scepticism.
- IOC Criticism: The IOC has heavily criticized the IBA, calling it unfit to run boxing and highlighting its lack of credibility. Mark Adams, IOC’s spokesman stated “It clearly demonstrates that the sport needs a new federation to run boxing.”
The dispute over gender eligibility for two female boxers has escalated into a legal battle between Taiwan and the International Boxing Association. The controversy threatens to overshadow the upcoming Olympics and cast doubt on boxing’s future in the Games.
