Chinese Taipei have threatened legal action against the International Boxing Association (IBA). GETTY IMAGES

Sports officials in Chinese Taipei have threatened legal action against the International Boxing Association (IBA) after the organisation labeled their fighter in the Paris Olympics women's competition as "a man."

The controversy centres around Lin Yu-ting from Chinese Taipei and Algeria’s Imane Khelif, both of whom have secured spots in the semi-finals and are guaranteed medals. 

The IBA disqualified them from its 2023 world championships, but the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which oversees the boxing events in Paris due to issues with the IBA, allowed their participation.

The IBA's attempts to address the situation have been hampered by confusing statements from its president, Umar Kremlev, who claimed that both fighters had undergone genetic testing revealing they are "men" and have testosterone levels typical of men.

The bout between Lin Yu-ting and Imane Khelif has caused constant controversy and now escalated further. GETTY IMAGES
The bout between Lin Yu-ting and Imane Khelif has caused constant controversy and now escalated further. GETTY IMAGES

In response, Chinese Taipei Sports Administration has lodged a formal protest against the IBA. They accused the IBA of spreading "false information" to mislead the public and disrupt the Games.

The administration added that the Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee has engaged a lawyer to issue a warning letter to the IBA and reserves the right to pursue legal action.

IOC president Thomas Bach, along with senior officials from Algeria and Chinese Taipei, have defended Lin and Khelif, affirming that both were born and raised as women and hold passports reflecting this.

Both fighters had competed at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 without any controversy. Khelif is set to compete in the 66kg semi-finals later today, while Lin will fight in the 57kg division on Wednesday.