French Women’s Boxing Team Excluded from World Championships Over Testing Delays
September 4, 2023, Paris — The French women’s boxing team has been disqualified from the ongoing world championships in Liverpool due to delays in genetic gender testing, as reported by the French Federation of Boxing (FFBoxe).
Background on Mandatory Testing
Recently, World Boxing implemented a new policy mandating genetic testing for women aiming to compete in events. This requirement arose following controversies related to gender eligibility, particularly highlighted during the 2022 Paris Olympics.
Legal and Procedural Hurdles
In France, gender tests have been largely prohibited since a 1994 law, except under specific circumstances. Consequently, FFBoxe had to wait until the team arrived in England to conduct the required testing.
The team’s five members successfully underwent testing at a World Boxing-accredited facility, with expectations that the results would arrive before the entry deadline. However, the results did not materialize in time.
Response from World Boxing and French Authorities
World Boxing emphasized that the responsibility for managing the testing process lies with national federations. A representative stated, “It is very disappointing for the boxers that some National Federations have not been able to complete this process in time.”
French Sports Minister Marie Barsacq labeled the team’s exclusion as “inadmissible,” expressing concern over the implications of such policies. FFBoxe expressed “stupefaction and indignation,” regarding what they termed a “trap” impacting athletes across multiple nations.
Athlete Reactions
Maelys Richol, one of the affected boxers, expressed her feelings of “frustration, anger and disappointment” over the disqualification. The athletes’ sentiments reflect broader concerns about fairness and inclusivity in women’s sports.
Broader Context of Gender Testing in Sports
World Boxing defends its gender testing policy, asserting that it aims to ensure safety and fairness for all competitors. This move follows discussions on gender eligibility that have emerged not only in boxing but also in disciplines like athletics and swimming.
Previous incidents, such as the exclusion of Algerian boxer Imane Khelif and Taiwanese athlete Lin Yu-ting from the 2023 championships, have underscored the complexities of these policies. Although both athletes were later cleared to compete in the Olympics, they have not participated in the current championships.
