IOC President Dismisses Boxing Gender Dispute as Russian Disinformation Campaign
Pylos, Greece (March 15, 2025) – Outgoing International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach has categorically dismissed the controversy surrounding two female boxers at the 2024 Paris Olympics as a product of a Russian disinformation campaign. The dispute, which centered on the participation of Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting, arose from accusations by the International Boxing Association (IBA) that the IOC allowed athletes they had banned to compete. Bach, speaking in Pylos, Greece, where his successor is set to be elected, characterized the IBA’s claims as "fake news" originating from Russia.
The IBA, led by Russian businessman Umar Kremlev, known for his close ties to the Kremlin, had banned Khelif and Lin Yu-ting citing chromosome tests. The organization engaged in a heated public exchange with the IOC during the Paris Games, accusing the Olympic governing body of disregarding their ban. Bach, however, countered that the two athletes had participated in numerous competitions, including the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, without incident. He highlighted the fact that the IOC had assumed control of the boxing competition in Paris following the suspension of the IBA due to governance and financial irregularities, effectively sidelining the organization’s authority.
Bach emphasized the context of the dispute within a larger pattern of Russian disinformation campaigns targeting the IOC, both before and after the Paris Games. He cited previous instances, including alleged hacking attempts and a hoax call impersonating African Union Commission representatives, as further evidence of Russia’s efforts to undermine the IOC. The outgoing president framed the boxing controversy as part of this broader strategy of disruption and manipulation.
The IOC president underscored the long-standing participation records of both athletes, emphasizing that the controversy would not have arisen if not for the IBA’s actions. He pointed to the absence of a universal IOC rule regarding the participation of transgender athletes or those with differences of sexual development, explaining that each sporting federation develops its own regulations. This decentralized approach allows for flexibility while acknowledging the complexity of these issues.
Shifting focus to future Olympic Games, Bach expressed unwavering confidence in the preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. He specifically highlighted the support of U.S. President Donald Trump, referring to him as a "strong supporter and promoter" of the Games. Bach advised his successor to continue nurturing the positive relationship established with the Trump administration and the Los Angeles organizing committee, expressing full confidence in the American partners.
Bach’s statements offer a decisive counter-narrative to the IBA’s claims, placing the boxing gender dispute within a broader geopolitical context. By characterizing the controversy as a product of Russian disinformation, he seeks to discredit the IBA’s accusations and reaffirm the IOC’s authority in managing Olympic competition. His endorsement of the Los Angeles 2028 preparations and emphasis on President Trump’s support signal a positive outlook for the future of the Olympic movement in the United States. The upcoming election of his successor will mark a new chapter for the IOC, inheriting the ongoing challenges of navigating complex geopolitical landscapes and upholding the integrity of international sport.