In a bombshell development that has rocked the boxing world, the World Boxing Organization (WBO) reports that Algerian boxer Iman Khelif has declared a lifetime ban from all competitions, stripped her of her Olympic gold  medal and requested the return of $25 million in prize money. The shocking announcement, which has surfaced in recent weeks via several articles on social media platforms such as X, has reignited a raging debate over gender equality in sports at the center of a global firestorm.

A shocking decision amid ongoing controversy

The controversy surrounding Imane Khelif, the 25-year-old Algerian boxer who won middleweight gold at the 2024 Olympics, has escalated dramatically. Following widespread rumors, the WBO conducted a “full review” of Khelif’s gender identity and concluded that she possesses male biological characteristics, including XY chromosomes and elevated testosterone levels. As a result, the organization reportedly banned her for life, revoked her Olympic gold  medal and demanded a $25 million cash settlement — a figure that raised eyebrows due to its size and lack of official confirmation.

Khelif, who became a national hero after her Olympic triumph in Algeria, has been a polarizing figure in Paris since her swift 46-second victory over Italy’s Angela Carini in Paris sparked global scrutiny over her gender. The International Boxing Association (IBA) had previously disqualified Khelif from the 2023 World Championships due to a failed gender test, although the specifics of that test remain unclear. However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) allowed her to compete in Paris, confirming that she was born and raised female and met its eligibility criteria. However, the boxing community has thrown the WBO’s alleged decision into chaos, with many questioning the organization’s authority over Olympic matters.

A firestorm of reactions

The news, which first garnered a polarized response to the virus’s contributions to X’s traction in early September 2024. Some users on the platform celebrated the decision with comments such as “Finally Justice for Women’s Sports!” Typing next to hashtags like #khelifbanned. However, others condemned the WBO’s alleged actions as discriminatory and unfounded and pointed out that the organization has no jurisdiction over Olympic events or amateur boxes. “This is a witch hunt – Iman is a woman and a champion!” A supporter wrote about X and reflected the feelings of Khelif’s fans in Algeria, where she is staying with a loved one.

Prominent figures have also been overwhelmed, and controversy has grown. Reports on X claim that billionaire Elon Musk has threatened to withdraw his support for WBO programs unless Khelif’s medal and prize money are revoked, though there is no credible evidence to support this claim. Meanwhile, Khelif’s legal team has filed a lawsuit against the wave of online harassment, with her declaring in August 2024 that the “unfair harassment” she said during the Olympics would leave a permanent stain on the Games.

The $25 million question

One of the more confusing aspects of the rumor is the claim that Khelif needs to repay the $25 million prize money. The IOC does not award prize money for Olympic  medals , and even the most well-known payments to individual countries—like Hong Kong’s $768,000 for a gold medal—fall far short of that figure. Some speculate that the figure may have been made up to raise awareness for the story, while others suggest that it may be tied to the bills or bonuses Khelif received from Olympic companies. However, no official records confirm this amount, which raises further doubts about the legitimacy of the rumor.

What’s next for Khelif?

If the WBO’s decision were true, Khelif’s career would be effectively over, with his Olympic heir and his financial stability in jeopardy. However, the lack of an official explanation from the WBO, combined with the organization’s limited authority in Olympic boxes, indicates that these claims may be unfounded. The IOC, which Khelif has consistently acknowledged as an athlete, has not commented on the latest rumors, although in October it previously called similar claims “obviously wrong” to 2024.

For now, Khelif remains a symbol of resilience for many, especially in Algeria, where her Olympic victory challenged traditional gender norms and inspired a new generation of athletes. It remains to be seen how she will deal with these latest allegations, but one thing is clear: the debate over gender in sports is far from over, and Imane Khelif is still at the epicenter.

A cautionary tale about misinformation

As the story unfolds, it provides a stark reminder of the dangers of misinformation in the digital age. While the WBO’s alleged decision has garnered global attention, the lack of credible evidence raises serious questions about its validity. Until an official explanation is released, the boxing world – and Khelif’s Legion of Fans – can only hope for clarity in a controversy that shows no signs of slowing down.