- IBA to sue IOC over transgender participation at Paris 2024, citing Trump’s executive order.
- Nigerian boxing official calls for probe into World Boxing affiliation over transgender policies.
- IBA announces stricter gender verification for upcoming Women’s World Boxing Championships.
The International Boxing Association (IBA) has announced plans to take legal action against the International Olympic Committee (IOC) over its decision to allow transgender athletes to compete at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The move follows US President Donald Trump’s recent executive order banning transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- 45% of Nigerian Girls Become Mothers Before 18 — World Bank
- ECOWAS Faces Historic Defection as Three West African Nations Withdraw
- Netanyahu to Meet Trump at White House Next Week
According to the IBA, Trump’s “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports” order reinforces their stance on protecting female boxers from what they call “unfair competition.” The organization specifically opposes the participation of Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting, both of whom are set to compete and potentially win gold at the Games.
“President Trump’s order validates IBA’s efforts to safeguard the integrity of female sports,” said IBA President Umar Kremlev. “Our goal is to uphold gender equality in boxing, and we call on other international federations to follow our lead.”
The IBA confirmed that it will file legal complaints against the IOC in Switzerland, France, and the United States, accusing the Olympic body of allowing “ineligible athletes” to participate. Kremlev also encouraged female boxers affected by the decision to take legal action against IOC President Thomas Bach, offering them free legal support.
“This is a violation of human rights and a betrayal of female boxers,” Kremlev stated. “In my view, Thomas Bach must be held accountable.”
The controversy extends to Nigeria, where 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 inclusion policies.
“Let them explain to Nigerians how they aligned our boxing federation with an organization that supports transgender athletes without properly consulting board members and stakeholders,” Omo-Agege said.
FURTHER READING
- [VIDEO] Commotion Rocks PDP BoT Meeting as Faction Confront Each Other
- NiDCOM Prepares for Deportation of Nigerians from U.S
- BREAKING: Sowore Pleads Not Guilty to Cybercrime Charges Filed by Police IG
In response to the ongoing debate, the IBA has announced stricter gender eligibility verification protocols for the upcoming Women’s World Boxing Championships in Niš, Serbia. The association reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring “a fair and equitable sporting environment.”
Meanwhile, Omo-Agege has demanded that former NBF president Kenneth Minimah provide explanations before lawmakers regarding the federation’s ties with World Boxing. He stressed that proper consultation with stakeholders was not conducted before making such an affiliation.
