BBC One fails to broadcast gender row boxer’s quarter-final to show gymnastics
BBC ONE opted not to show Imane Khelif’s boxing quarter-final victory over Anna Luca Hamori.
Khelif’s 46 second first round win over Angela Carini sparked a global gender debate, after the Italian broke down in tears.
The Algerian, 25, was born a woman – but failed a gender test at the Russian-led IBA sanctioned World Championships in New Delhi last year.
It has not been specified what the exact nature of the gender test was.
But they have confirmed that she did not undergo testosterone examinations.
And Khelif does not identify as transgender or intersex.
Her participation in the women’s welterweight event sparked controversy, however, with the Italian Prime Minister among those to criticise the situation.
Carini has since apologised to Khelif.
With Khelif’s campaign having become a huge story, plenty of fans wanted to watch her second bout.
But with BBC One opting to show Team GB‘s star gymnast Max Whitlock instead, some struggled to find coverage of Khelif’s fight with Hamori, which was shown on iPlayer.
One fan wrote on social media: “Anyone find the khelif boxing in uk, got fire stick. Tried all different countries on Eurosport and nothing on bbc about boxing. Strange one.”
While a second asked: “I can’t find the women’s boxing on BBC iplayer?”
The BBC have been contacted for comment.
Coverage on iPlayer did opt to reference controversy surrounding Khelif.
While Discovery Plus’ broadcast of the bout chose not to speak about it.
Following her unanimous decision victory over Hamori, Khelif has guaranteed herself a medal in the 66kg event.
