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The Algerian boxer, who became the centre of an enormous row when her opponent, Italy’s Angela Carini, refused to fight her after 46 seconds of their bout, is understood to be taking action following claims made online and on social media platforms that reference “unverified documents whose origin cannot be confirmed”, the International Olympics Committee have claimed.
An IOC spokesperson said: “We understand that Imane Khelif has taken legal action against individuals who commented on her situation during the Olympic Games Paris 2024, and is also preparing a lawsuit in response to the latest reporting.
“The IOC will not comment while legal action is ongoing, or on media reports about unverified documents whose origin cannot be confirmed.
“Imane Khelif has been competing in the women’s category in international boxing competitions for many years, including the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, International Boxing Association World Championships and IBA-sanctioned tournaments.”
Khelif was one of two boxers, along with Lin Yu-ting of Taiwan, who became embroiled in controversy during the summer’s Paris Games after the IBA disqualified both from the amateur World Championships last year for what they claimed were failed gender eligibility tests.
But both were allowed to compete at the Olympics after the IOC seized control of boxing regulations at the Games because of past corruption within the IBA, and the refusal to introduce gender-specific regulations for athletes with “differences of sexual development”, rules that also apply to transgender competitors, resulted in a fierce backlash against Khelif and Lin’s victories in the women’s welterweight and …
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