The International Olympic Committee has announced a new policy limiting eligibility for the female category at Olympic events to biological females, with the rule to take effect from the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

The decision followed approval by the IOC Executive Board, which said the policy on the protection of the female category would apply to all disciplines on the Olympic programme from LA28 onwards and would not be retroactive.

In the statement announcing the decision on Thursday, the IOC said, “For all disciplines on the sports programme of an IOC event, including the Olympic Games and for both individual and team sports, eligibility for any female category is limited to biological females.

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The committee added that eligibility would be determined through screening for the SRY gene, which it described as a reliable indicator of male sex development.

According to the statement, “Eligibility for the female category is to be determined in the first instance by SRY gene screening to detect the absence or presence of the SRY gene.”

The IOC explained that the presence of the gene, usually found on the Y chromosome, is considered fixed throughout life and provides highly accurate evidence that an athlete has experienced male sex development.

It stated, “Based on scientific evidence, the IOC considers that the presence of the SRY gene is fixed throughout life and represents highly accurate evidence that an athlete has experienced male sex development.”

The body noted that screening could be carried out through saliva, cheek swab or blood sample, describing the process as less intrusive than other possible methods.

The policy provides that athletes who test negative for the gene will permanently satisfy the eligibility criteria for the female category, with testing expected to be conducted only once.

The statement read, “Athletes who screen negative for the SRY gene permanently satisfy this policy’s eligibility criteria for competition in the female category… this will be a once-in-a-lifetime test.”

The IOC added that, except in rare cases involving athletes diagnosed with Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome or certain differences in sex development that do not provide performance advantage, athletes with a positive SRY result will not be eligible to compete in the female category at IOC events.

It said, “With the rare exception of athletes with a diagnosis of Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (CAIS) or other rare differences/disorders in sex development (DSDs) who do not benefit from the anabolic and/or performance-enhancing effects of testosterone, no athlete with an SRY-positive screen is eligible for competition in the female category at an IOC event.”

Such athletes, however, will remain eligible to compete in other classifications for which they qualify, including male, mixed or open categories.

IOC President, Kirsty Coventry, said the decision was based on scientific evidence and aimed at ensuring fairness and safety.

She said, “As a former athlete, I passionately believe in the rights of all Olympians to take part in fair competition. The policy that we have announced is based on science and has been led by medical experts.

“At the Olympic Games, even the smallest margins can be the difference between victory and defeat. 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.”

She further said athletes must be treated with dignity and respect, noting that screening would only be required once and must be accompanied by counselling and education.

The IOC said the policy followed a review conducted between September 2024 and March 2026 involving consultations with scientists, medical experts, legal specialists, sports federations and athletes worldwide.

According to the committee, the working group reviewing the issue concluded that male sex provides performance advantages in sports relying on strength, power and endurance, and recommended that eligibility for the female category should be based on biological sex to ensure fairness and safety.

The statement noted, “There was a strong consensus that fairness and safety in the female category required clear, science-based eligibility rules, and that protecting the female category is a common priority.”

The IOC added that the policy replaces previous guidance on gender identity and sex variations in sport and will apply only to IOC events, while international federations and national Olympic committees are expected to adopt it when setting eligibility rules.

It clarified that the policy does not apply to grassroots or recreational sports programmes.

Bayer Leverkusen have announced that Nathan Tella has extended his contract with the club until 2031, showing their long-term commitment to the winger despite an injury-affected campaign.

The 26-year-old, who joined the Bundesliga side from Southampton in 2023, had initially been contracted until 2028 but has now agreed fresh terms that will keep him at the club for an additional three years.

The Nigerian international expressed his satisfaction with the extension, noting that he feels settled at the club and optimistic about its future trajectory.

The forward described the new deal as a reflection of his strong connection with the club and his belief in its long-term ambitions.

“This is an expression of a special relationship. I really feel at home at Bayer 04, the first few years have seen a lot of fantastic successes,” he told the club website.

 “It’s great fun to now be part of the development of a new and powerful team. I’m sure we will achieve our goals again in the coming years.”

While confirming the development in an official statement on Tuesday, the club said both the player’s versatility and his growing importance within the squad.

“Nathan Tella signs a new deal with Bayer 04 to 2031. Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract with forward Nathan Tella ahead of schedule,” the club stated.

“The versatile 26-year-old, who can be deployed as a right winger, false nine or left winger, has penned a new contract to 30 June 2031. Tella joined Werkself from Championship club Southampton in 2023. His previous contract ran to the summer of 2028.”

Since his arrival, Tella has become a valued member of the squad, although injuries have limited his involvement this season. He has made 12 Bundesliga appearances this season, starting five matches and averaging 42 minutes per game, with a total of 507 minutes played.

While he is yet to score in the league this term, the winger has contributed two assists and created two big chances, posting an expected assists figure of 1.27.

His attacking output also includes an expected goals value of 1.14, though he has missed two big chances and is still seeking his first goal of the campaign.

Tella has averaged 19.2 touches per game and maintained an 83 per cent pass accuracy, completing 8.6 passes per match, with stronger distribution in his own half. His versatility across attacking positions and ability to influence play have continued to make him a useful option for the team despite limited minutes.

Brazil legend and two-time World Cup winner Cafu has backed Neymar to lead Brazil to the 2026 World Cup, making a strong statement that the forward has more natural talent than Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe.

According to him, the Santos player remains on a separate level compared to other stars of modern football.

“In my opinion, Neymar is greater than Lionel Messi.

Messi’s level of commitment may be different, but from this generation, Neymar stands above everyone. He is superior to Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe,” he was quoted on gazetaexpress.com.

Cafu explained that Neymar’s advantage lies in his technical ability and wide repertoire of movements.

“Technically, he surpasses everyone. When we talk about commitment, we can mention Cristiano Ronaldo… but leave that aside. Neymar simply has more quality at his disposal,” he argued.

The legendary former defender added that Brazil must adapt their game to maximise Neymar’s impact, taking the example of Argentina with Messi.

“When Argentina played for Lionel Messi, they won trophies. In 2002, we played for Ronaldo and Rivaldo, while also helping Ronaldinho. Whereas Neymar emerged in a generation without that support and was forced to carry the burden alone,” he stressed.

According to Cafu, Neymar has been under constant pressure throughout his career.

“For 15 years he carried the whole burden on his own. Today there are players around him who can finally help him,” he added.

Regarding Neymar’s role in the team and management by coach Carlo Ancelotti, Cafu praised his style.

“The coach manages the pressure very well. Neymar’s quality is not in doubt; even when he is not 100%, he decides the game. But his attitude within the group is essential,” he said.

The former Milan player also recalled an episode from his time in Italy to show Ancelotti’s discipline.

“There was a player who wasn’t training properly, and Ancelotti gathered the group and said clearly: ‘If you don’t train, there’s no question – you won’t play.’ The team immediately understood the message,” he revealed.