A gender-related controversy has been raging over the eligibility of athletes to compete in Olympic sports.
On Friday, the IOC noted that changing the rules mid-way through an event is impossible.
This was apparent after Italian boxer Angela Carini withdrew from the Olympics due to an injury during a fight against Algerian fighter Imane Khelif.
Mark Adams, a spokesperson for the IOC, noted that the organization does not change the rules during an event.
Some sports, for instance, have restricted the amount of testosterone that athletes can use for female athletes.
Others, on the other hand, have banned people who have undergone male puberty.
There is no consensus on the issue, according to Adams.
The issue is not a straightforward one, Adams noted. The IOC wants to provide an explanation as this is a minefield that requires a simple solution.
The IOC made it clear that Khelif, who is a woman, should be allowed to participate in the event.
The organization cleared her to fight in Paris after it took over the management of boxing’s governing body.
In addition, Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting was also cleared to fight in the event.
The IOC took over the management of boxing’s governing body after the organization was dissolved due to various governance issues.
The two boxers were disqualified from the World Championships in 2023 after they failed to meet the IBA’s eligibility rules, which prevent individuals with male XY chromosomes from participating in women’s events.
The IOC has maintained that the decision to remove them from the competition was arbitrary.