subhead”>World Boxing has instituted new regulatory measures for female athletes, including mandatory genetic testing for competitors aged 18 and over.
Published On 4 Sep 2025
The inaugural World Boxing Championships, taking place in Liverpool, witnessed the absence of French female boxers due to complications arising from the newly implemented genetic testing policy. The French Boxing Federation (FFBoxe) reported that it could not meet the deadline for submission of the required results, which it deemed incompatible with French legal standards.
World Boxing confirmed that it could not comment on individual cases but emphasized that all national federations were alerted to the new policy ahead of the competition. The federation had communicated the need for female athletes to complete a “femininity test” during the registration process initiated on July 21.
FFBoxe explained that French legislation restricts the conduct of such tests without a medical prescription, which prompted the federation to seek testing options in the UK. Despite prior assurances of prompt results, the tests were delayed, ultimately resulting in the exclusion of French competitors, along with others who faced similar barriers.
The situation has been described by FFBoxe as a substantial injustice, attributing the athletes’ exclusion to an unfortunate bureaucratic oversight and late communication regarding the regulations. While World Boxing contends that federations had ample warning, FFBoxe highlighted that the timeline did not accommodate the complexities involved in medical testing.
World Boxing’s decision to implement mandatory genetic testing for female competitors, initiated in May, aims to uphold safety and fairness in the sport. The organization is set to govern boxing for the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Amid the surrounding challenges, Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, recognized for her gold medal achievement at the Paris Games, is currently contesting her eligibility in the wake of similar testing requirements. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has previously dismissed her request for an interim measure, reflecting the contentious debates that have emerged over gender verification protocols in athletics.
As athletes navigate these evolving regulations, the discussion underscores the intricate balance between ensuring fairness in competitive sports and upholding athletes’ rights and dignity. The recent events also highlight the importance of timely communication and collaborative strategies within sports federations to foster a more inclusive environment for all participants.
#SportsNews #MiddleEastNews