Ahead of the final day of the 2024 Paris Olympics , Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), made a shocking announcement that his organization “will decide whether boxing will be allowed to participate in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics .” Mr. Bach emphasized that the final result will be available in the first half of next year.

The message is a serious blow to the International Boxing Association (IBA), which has publicly criticized Imane Khelif , saying she is ineligible to compete in the 2024 Olympics because she is a man.

The IBA also disqualified Imane Khelif from the World Amateur Boxing Championships last year on the grounds that she was a male chromosome. And shortly after the women’s -61kg quarter-final, when Imane Khelif defeated Italy’s Carini, the body also sent a message that she would not compete at the Paris Olympics.

Imane Khelif is the reason why IBA and IOC split

In addition, the IBA leaned heavily towards Carini by donating 100,000 USD, including 50,000 USD for Carini, 25,000 USD for the boxer’s coach and 25,000 USD for the Italian Boxing Federation.

The move has further pitted the IBA against the IOC. Over the past week, the two bodies have been sending out messages attacking each other. The IBA has stressed that the IOC is aiding and abetting injustice in boxing, while the IOC has responded that the IBA is sexist.

The announcement that boxing is being considered for removal from the Olympic programme is the latest blow to the IBA, while Imane Khelif herself is considering taking legal action against the body. The 2024 Olympic boxing champion has filed a complaint with Paris prosecutors through her lawyer.

“Imane Khelif has decided to start a new fight, a fight for justice, dignity and honour,” lawyer Nabil Boudi hinted, referring to the IBA. “The investigation will determine who is behind this racist, sexist and misogynistic campaign.”