11th February 2025
The International Boxing Association (IBA) has announced plans to take legal action against the International Olympic Committee (IOC) over transgender participation at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The decision follows former U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order banning transgender athletes from women’s sports.
IBA claims Trump’s “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports” order supports their stance on ensuring fair competition in women’s boxing. They plan to challenge the IOC for allowing Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting to compete and win gold medals.
IBA President Umar Kremlev stated, “Trump’s order strengthens our efforts to protect female sports. We urge other federations to follow our example to maintain fairness in boxing.”
The announcement comes as controversy grows in Nigerian boxing. Interim Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) president Azania Omo-Agege has called for a National Assembly probe into the federation’s affiliation with World Boxing, citing concerns over transgender policies.
“Officials must explain how they joined an association supporting transgender athletes without consulting board members and stakeholders,” Omo-Agege said.
IBA also plans to file complaints in Switzerland, France, and the U.S. against the IOC’s decision, offering legal support to affected female boxers. Kremlev accused IOC President Thomas Bach of violating athletes’ rights and called for accountability.
To reinforce their stance, IBA will implement stricter gender eligibility verification for the upcoming Women’s World Boxing Championships in Niš.
