• World Boxing has apologized for naming Imane Khelif in a new mandatory sex testing policy.
• The governing body emphasized that Khelif's privacy should have been respected.
• All athletes over 18 will undergo genetic testing to verify their sex for future competitions.
• Khelif plans to compete in upcoming events despite the ongoing controversy.
• The new policy has sparked debates over fairness and ethical concerns in sports governance.

World Boxing has formally apologized after Imane Khelif was specifically named in its announcement regarding a new mandatory sex testing policy. This policy, set to ensure a competitive playing field, will require athletes to undergo genetic testing, which World Boxing acknowledged should have protected Khelif's privacy. The announcement came in light of Khelif's success at the Paris 2024 Olympics, which was overshadowed by ongoing debates about gender eligibility in sports, particularly after a disqualification by the previous governing body, the IBA, due to unspecified eligibility tests. The IBA has been criticized for its controversies, further complicating Khelif's situation, according to Africanews, Channel News Asia, and Reuters.

World Boxing’s President, Boris van der Vorst, personally reached out to the Algerian Boxing Federation to apologize for the oversight, indicating a failure to respect Khelif's right to privacy. He stated, "I am writing to each of you personally to issue a formal and heartfelt apology for this and to accept that her privacy was not to be invaded," reflecting the governing body’s intent to mend relations with athletes and federations amidst rising backlash over such disclosures. The organization noted that future genetic testing will be conducted using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test via saliva or blood samples, according to India Times and India Times.

The introduction of this policy has reignited discussions surrounding fairness and inclusion in women's sports, particularly after Khelif’s recent Olympic victory. Critics have argued that publicly naming athletes in such circumstances can harm their psychologically and socially, especially when they have previously qualified under different standards. Khelif's stance is particularly poignant as she prepares for the Eindhoven Box Cup and aims to retain her Olympic title, highlighting the urgent need for sensitive and confidential handling of gender eligibility issues, as noted in sources from Africanews, Channel News Asia, and Reuters.