World Athletics plans to begin genetic testing of all female track and field athletes in a move that could significantly alter gender eligibility rules in Olympic sports.

World Athletics president Sebastian Coe announced the decision following a council meeting at the World Indoor Championships in India. Under the new protocol, all female athletes would have to undergo a one-time cotton swab or dried spot blood test in order to compete in World Athletics competitions.

World Athletics president Sebastian Coe announced the decision, calling it “an important way of providing confidence and maintaining that absolute focus on the integrity of competition. The pre-clearance testing aims to ensure a level playing field for female athletes while respecting the rights and dignity of all participants.