Imane Khelif will not be permitted to participate in the Eindhoven Boxing Cup scheduled for next week.
This decision follows World Boxing`s plan to implement mandatory sex testing for all athletes wishing to compete in their events.
Khelif, 26, won gold at the Paris Olympic Games last summer.
Her win occurred amid significant criticism from certain commentators.
Her first-round match against Angela Carini saw the Italian boxer retire after just 46 seconds.
Khelif had previously failed an unspecified gender test administered by the Russian-led International Boxing Association in 2023.
Carini left the ring in tears, and later stated:
“After the second one (punch landed) I couldn`t breathe anymore. I went to my coach and said `enough` because it takes maturity and courage to stop. I didn`t feel like fighting anymore.”
The Eindhoven Cup organisers had featured Khelif prominently in promotions for their upcoming event, with a poster proclaiming: “Proud that Imane Khelif is there again to defend her title.”
However, World Boxing`s new ruling effectively prevents Khelif`s entry into the event.
A letter from World Boxing sent to the Algerian federation confirmed:
“Imane Khelif may not participate in the female category at the Eindhoven Box Cup, 5-10 June 2025 and any World Boxing event until Imane Khelif undergoes genetic sex screening in accordance with World Boxing`s rules and testing procedures.”
The letter explained the basis for the immediate rule change:
“In accordance with the World Boxing Statutes, amendments to the Competition Rules are typically made by Congress. However, under special or emergency circumstances, the World Boxing Executive Board holds the authority to make immediate amendments when a rule is deemed no longer functional or when evolving conditions necessitate a change.”
Amid the controversy last summer, former US President Donald Trump incorrectly asserted that Khelif is transgender.
A video caption related to the event stated: Trump criticizes boxer Imane Khelif regarding controversial Olympic win against Angela Carini.
Speaking to ITV earlier this year, Khelif addressed the situation:
“The US President issued a decision related to transgender policies in America. I am not transgender. This does not concern me, and it does not intimidate me. That is my response.”
She also stated her ambition to win another Olympic gold medal, adding: “Second gold medal, of course. In America, Los Angeles.”
`Nothing to Hide`
Khelif further commented:
“As we say in Algeria, those who have nothing to hide should have no fear. The truth became clear at the Paris Olympics — the injustice was exposed and later, the truth was acknowledged by the Olympic Committee in Paris.”
Khelif continued:
“For me, I see myself as a girl, just like any other girl. I was born a girl, raised as a girl, and have lived my entire life as one. I have competed in many tournaments, including the Tokyo Olympics and other major competitions, as well as four World Championships.”
“All of these took place before I started winning and earning titles. But once I began achieving success, the campaigns against me started.”
