Imane Khelif: Olympic Gold Medalist Appeals Genetic Sex Testing
- Olympic gold medalist Imane Khelif is challenging World BoxingS requirement for genetic sex testing before she can compete, seeking to participate in the 2025 World Boxing Championships.
- Imane Khelif,a 26-year-old Algerian boxer,won the gold medal in the women's welterweight division at the 2024 Paris Olympics ([Olympics.com, August 4, 2024](https://olympics.com/en/news/iman-khelif-algeria-boxing-gold-medal-paris-2024)).
- Khelif filed her appeal with CAS on August 5, 2024, challenging World Boxing's decision ([CAS Media Release, August 26, 2024](https://tas-cas.org/en/news/cas-registers-appeal-of-iman-khelif-against-world-boxing)).She seeks to compete at the 2025 world Boxing...
Imane Khelif Appeals World Boxing ban to CAS
Table of Contents
Olympic gold medalist Imane Khelif is challenging World BoxingS requirement for genetic sex testing before she can compete, seeking to participate in the 2025 World Boxing Championships. As of September 1, 2025, at 22:13:20, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has dismissed a request for a provisional suspension of the ban.
Background: The Dispute
Imane Khelif,a 26-year-old Algerian boxer,won the gold medal in the women’s welterweight division at the 2024 Paris Olympics ([Olympics.com, August 4, 2024](https://olympics.com/en/news/iman-khelif-algeria-boxing-gold-medal-paris-2024)). Despite being cleared to compete by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), World Boxing (formerly the International Boxing Association – IBA) has barred her from participating in its events until she undergoes genetic sex testing.
Khelif filed her appeal with CAS on August 5, 2024, challenging World Boxing’s decision ([CAS Media Release, August 26, 2024](https://tas-cas.org/en/news/cas-registers-appeal-of-iman-khelif-against-world-boxing)).She seeks to compete at the 2025 world Boxing Championships, scheduled to take place between September 4 and 14, 2025.
CAS Ruling and Current Status
On August 26, 2024, CAS announced it had registered Khelif’s appeal and dismissed her request for a provisional suspension of World Boxing’s decision. This means Khelif remains barred from competing in World Boxing events pending the outcome of the full arbitration process ([CAS Media Release, August 26, 2024](https://tas-cas.org/en/news/cas-registers-appeal-of-iman-khelif-against-world-boxing)).
CAS stated that the parties are currently exchanging written submissions and will agree on a date for a hearing. The timeline for a final decision remains uncertain.
The Controversy of Genetic sex Testing in Boxing
World Boxing’s insistence on genetic sex testing has sparked controversy, raising concerns about discrimination and the potential for unfair exclusion of athletes. The policy stems from concerns about fairness in women’s boxing, specifically regarding potential advantages conferred by higher levels of testosterone. Though, critics argue that genetic testing is invasive, unreliable, and can led to misclassification and harm.
The International Boxing Association (IBA), now known as World Boxing, has been embroiled in governance issues and faced scrutiny over its policies. In 2023, the IOC removed boxing from the program for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics due to concerns about the IBA’s governance, financial stability, and integrity