Algerian boxer Imaë Khelif has been disqualified from competing in the 2025 World Women’s Boxing Championship after a DNA test, apparently prompted by billionaire Elon Musk, revealed she has XY chromosomes. The International Boxing Federation (IBA) ruled that Khelif, who has competed in women’s boxing for years, would no longer be eligible to compete in the women’s division.

The shocking revelation has reignited heated debates about fairness, biological benefits and the role of public figures in influencing sports policy.

Elon Musk’s Role in the Controversy  
The controversy erupted after Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, used his platform X (formerly Twitter) to question Khelif’s eligibility to compete in women’s boxing. Citing biological differences, Musk urged the IBA to conduct a DNA test on Khelif, arguing that “fair competition in women’s sports must be protected.”

Following her statement, the IBA conducted an official review, which resulted in genetic testing confirming that Khelif has XY chromosomes. This decision resulted in her immediate disqualification, with officials saying her genetic makeup “offers a considerable advantage over other competitors.”

Khelif’s Reaction: “I’m Devastated”  
The decision left Khelif shocked and devastated. In a statement to Algerian media, she expressed her grief over the incident.

“I have always identified as a woman. I have coached, competed and worked as a woman. This decision is the right one, and I feel like my entire career has been erased in an instant,” Khelif said.

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

Reaction and Political Debate  
The decision has sparked a global firestorm, with advocacy groups, politicians and sports analysts divided on the issue.

LGBTQ+ organizations and women’s rights groups condemned the move, accusing the IBA of bowing 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.

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

Former boxing champion Claressa Shields weighed her words and said: “Justice matters. We have trained our lives to compete on a level playing field. This regulation protects that.”

The Future of Imaë Khelif  
As the debate continues, Khelif’s future in boxing remains uncertain. The IBA has not indicated whether she will be allowed to compete in a different category, leaving her athletic career on hold. Meanwhile, Elon Musk’s involvement in the controversy is fueling heated debates 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 ongoing conversation about gender in competitive sports.