The International Boxing Association (IBA) has come under fire for awarding $50,000 in compensation to Italian boxer Angela Carini following her Round of 16 defeat by Imane Khelif at the Paris Olympics. The decision has intensified the ongoing controversy surrounding Khelif’s participation and the IBA’s handling of gender eligibility issues.
Key Points:
- Compensation for Carini:
- Angela Carini, who was knocked out of the Round of 16 by Imane Khelif, will receive $50,000 from the IBA. This amount matches the prize given to Olympic gold medalists, raising questions about the federation’s motives.
- Controversial Decision:
- The IBA had previously banned Khelif from competing in the 2023 World Championships due to gender eligibility issues. However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) overturned this decision, allowing Khelif to participate in the Paris Olympics.
- In retaliation, the IBA is awarding $100,000 in total compensation to Carini, her coach, the Italian boxing federation, and Uzbekistan’s Sitora Turdibekova, who also lost to a banned boxer, Lin Yu-ting of Chinese Taipei.
- IBA’s Statement:
- IBA President Umar Kremlev expressed sympathy for the affected athletes, stating, “I couldn’t look at her tears. I am not indifferent to such situations, and I can assure that we will protect each boxer. I do not understand why they kill women’s boxing. Only eligible athletes should compete in the ring for the sake of safety.”
- Ongoing Dispute:
- The dispute between the IOC and IBA over gender eligibility and bans has led to boxing being organized by a temporary committee at the Paris Olympics. The IOC has defended its decision to allow Khelif and Yu-ting to compete, while the IBA’s countermeasures highlight the fractured state of international boxing governance.
- Potential Future Impact:
- The ongoing conflict between the IOC and IBA raises concerns about the future of boxing at the Olympics. If the dispute is not resolved, the sport could face exclusion from the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
The IBA’s decision to compensate Angela Carini and other affected athletes amid the controversy over Imane Khelif’s participation has intensified scrutiny of the federation’s actions. As boxing faces governance challenges, the resolution of this dispute will be crucial for the sport’s future in the Olympics.
