Algerian boxer   Imaпe Khelif   has been disqualified from competing in the   2025 Women’s World Boxing Championships   after a DNA test, allegedly promoted by billionaire   Eloë Mυsk  , revealed she has   XY chromosomes  . The International Boxing Association (  IBA  ) ruled that Khelif, who has competed in women’s boxing for years, would be eligible to fight in the women’s division.

The shocking revelation has reignited fierce debates about fairness, biological advantages and the role of public figures in influencing sports politics.

The controversy arose after   Mυsk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX  , took to his X platform   (formerly Twitter)   to question Khelif’s eligibility to compete in women’s boxing. Constrained by biological differences, Mυsk asked the   IBA   to conduct a   DNA test   on Khelif, stating that   “fair competition in women’s sports must be protected”.

Following her statement, the   IBA launched an official review  , leading to   genetic testing that ultimately confirmed that Khelif has XY chromosomes  . The decision led to her immediate disqualification, with officials stating that her genetic makeup   “presents a fair advantage over other female competitors.”

The decision left Khelif   shocked and devastated  . In a statement to Algerian media, she expressed her sadness over the year.

“I have always identified as a woman. I have trained, competed and done what I was meant to do as a woman. This decision is fair, and I feel like my entire career was erased in one moment,”   Khelif said.

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

The decision triggered a   global firestorm  , with advocacy groups, politicians and sports analysts   divided   on the issue.

LGBTQ+ and women’s rights organizations welcomed the measure, accusing the IBA of   bowing to external pressure   and   violating Khelif’s rights  .

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

On the other hand, some athletes and sports officials   praised the decision  , arguing that it   defends the integrity of women’s sport  .

Former boxing champion Claressa Shields   weighed in, saying,   “Fairness matters. We have betrayed our entire lives to compete on a level playing field. This rule protects that.”

As the debate rages on, Khelif’s future in boxing remains uncertain. The   IBA has not indicated whether she will be allowed to compete in a different division  , leaving her athletic career in limbo. Meanwhile,   Eloë Mûsk’s involvement in the controversies is fueling heated discussions about the role of tech billionaires in global sports governance.

With the 2025 Women’s World Boxing Championships on the horizon, one thing is clear: this decision will have   lasting implications for the future of women’s athletics and the political debate around gender in competitive sports.