The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced a major policy shift regarding eligibility for women’s events at the Olympic Games, stating that only biological females will be permitted to compete in the category moving forward.

In a statement released Thursday, the IOC confirmed that all athletes seeking to participate in women’s competitions will be required to undergo a one-time Sex Determining Region Y (SRY) gene test. The test is designed to identify the presence of the Y chromosome, typically associated with male biological development.

According to the IOC, the new regulation will not be applied retroactively but will come into full effect at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

IOC President Kirsty Coventry said the decision was guided by scientific research and medical expertise.

“The scientific evidence is very clear. Male chromosomes give performance advantages in sports that rely on strength, power, or endurance,” Coventry stated. “At the Olympic Games, even the smallest margins can determine victory or defeat. It is therefore essential to maintain fairness and safety in competition.”

The IOC added that all international sports federations must adopt the policy for participation in IOC-sanctioned elite events, including both Summer and Winter Olympic Games.

The move aligns with a similar stance taken by Donald Trump, whose 2025 executive order in the United States restricted transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports.

The decision is expected to spark continued global debate around inclusion, fairness, and the role of science in competitive athletics as preparations intensify for the next Olympic cycle.

Lionel Messi reached yet another extraordinary milestone on Thursday night, netting the 900th goal of his illustrious career during Inter Miami CF’s 1-1 draw against Nashville SC in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

The 38-year-old icon becomes just the second player in football history to reach the landmark, joining his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo in the exclusive 900-goal club.

Messi’s milestone goal came in the seventh minute, as he fired a low, powerful strike past the Nashville defence, igniting early celebrations among the home supporters. The goal also marked a remarkable 21-year journey since his first senior strike for FC Barcelona in 2005.

Since moving to Inter Miami in 2023, Messi has scored 81 goals for the club, adding to his staggering career tally, which includes 672 goals for Barcelona, 32 for Paris Saint-Germain, and 115 for the Argentina national team.

However, the historic achievement was overshadowed by disappointment for Inter Miami. Nashville SC found an equaliser in the 74th minute, and the match ended 1-1. With the first leg having finished goalless, the tie was decided on away goals, leading to Miami’s elimination from the competition.

Despite the team’s exit, the night will be remembered for another defining chapter in Messi’s legendary career—one that further cements his place among football’s greatest ever players.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially overturned the result of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, stripping Senegal of their 1-0 victory and awarding a 3-0 win to Morocco.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the CAF Appeal Committee ruled that Senegal forfeited the final in accordance with Article 84 of the competition’s regulations. As a result, Morocco’s national team, the Atlas Lions, have been declared champions of the tournament.

“The CAF Appeal Board decided that… the Senegal National Team is declared to have forfeited the Final Match… with the result recorded as 3–0 in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF),” the statement read.

The decision also addressed disciplinary issues arising from the match, including sanctions involving Moroccan midfielder Ismael Saibari and other incidents. However, CAF upheld the forfeiture ruling, confirming Morocco as the new holders of the continental title.