The case of Imane Khelif: Why was she disqualified?

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has been disqualified from the 2025 Women’s World Boxing Championships after a DNA test confirmed she has XY chromosomes . The test was reportedly prompted by billionaire Elon Musk , who questioned her eligibility in the women’s division.

The International Boxing Association (IBA) has ruled that Khelif, who has competed in women’s boxing for years, will no longer be eligible to compete in the women’s division due to the alleged biological advantage her genetics give her.

Controversy and debate on equity in sport

The decision has rekindled debate about fairness in women’s sport , biological differences and the role of public figures in influencing  sports policy .

The controversy erupted when Elon Musk , CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, used his Twitter platform X to question Khelif’s participation in women’s boxing. Arguing the need to protect fair competition in women’s sports , Musk urged the IBA to conduct a DNA test.

Following Musk’s statement, the IBA conducted an official review, which concluded with the confirmation that Khelif possesses XY chromosomes . As a result, she was immediately disqualified , with the organization arguing that her genetic makeup gave her an unfair advantage over other competitors .

Imane Khelif’s reaction: “They erased my career in an instant.”

The Algerian boxer received the news with shock and devastation . Speaking to Algerian media, she denied any wrongdoing and expressed her deep sorrow at the ruling.

🗣️ “I have always identified as a woman. I have trained, competed, and won as a woman. This decision is unfair, and I feel like my entire career has been erased in an instant,” Khelif said.

His legal team is exploring options to challenge the disqualification , calling it a “direct attack on his identity and rights as an athlete . ”

International reactions: divided opinions

The IBA’s decision has sparked a flurry of reactions around the world.

🔹 LGBTQ+ rights groups and women’s rights organizations have condemned the disqualification, accusing the IBA of caving to outside pressure and violating Khelif’s rights.

📢 “This sets a dangerous precedent, where billionaires like Elon Musk can pressure sports organizations to make decisions based on ideology rather than science ,” said a spokesperson for a European human rights group.

🔹 Athletes and  sports officials , on the other hand, have applauded the decision, arguing that it protects the integrity of women’s sports .

🥊 Former boxing champion Claressa Shields defended the disqualification:
“Fairness is important. We train our entire lives to compete on a level playing field. This decision protects that . ”