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Ferrari termed the move as a step backwards, and added that it doesn’t account for the biological specifications of athletes with differences in sexual development.
IOC Representational Image (Credit: X)
French Sports Minister Marina Ferrari slammed the International Olympic Committee’s decision to re-introduce gender tests to determine the eligibility of athletes to compete in women’s sports.
Ferrari termed the move as a step backwards, and added that it doesn’t account for the biological specifications of intersex athletes with differences in sexual development (DSD).
“We oppose a generalisation of genetic testing, which raises numerous ethical, legal, and medical questions, particularly in light of French legislation,” Ferrari said.
“The new rule defines the female sex without taking into consideration the biological specificities of intersex people whose sexual characteristics present natural variations, which leads to a reductive and potentially stigmatising approach,” she added.
The move marks the return of gender testing to determine eligibility at the Olympic level, ending a more flexible framework — introduced in 2021 — that allowed individual federations to set their own policies.
Under the new rules, eligibility will be determined through a one-time SRY gene screening. A simple saliva, cheek swab, or blood test to detect the SRY gene — done once in a lifetime.
The IOC said, “Eligibility for any female category event at the Olympic Games or any other IOC event, including individual and team sports, is now limited to biological females, determined on the basis of a one-time SRY gene screening.”
IOC president Kirsty Coventry defended the move, stating, “The policy we have announced is based on science and has been led by medical experts.” She added, “So it is absolutely clear that it would not be fair for biological males to compete in the female category. In addition, in some sports it would simply not be safe.”
“If it is illegal in a country, athletes will have the possibility when they travel to other competitions to be tested there,” Coventry said.
“This is also why we’re saying the policy comes into effect now, but will be implemented in LA 28. So we have time to walk through this process with everyone.”
“I do feel that this policy is a policy that is supporting equality and fairness and the protection of the safety on the field of play,” Coventry added.
March 27, 2026, 8:55 PM IST
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