What’s Next For Imane Khelif?

Imane Khelif’s ban from the World Boxing Championships has raised many talking points about the controversy over her gender, as we look at what is next.

The ban, imposed by World Boxing, leaves the Algerian out of the championships which began on September 4. Khelif was disqualified from the International Boxing Association (IBA) World Championships after an “eligibility test.” However, a different standard was applied by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Under the IOC’s governance, Khelif was permitted to compete and won gold in the women’s welterweight final.

Yet, a new hurdle emerged in May 2025 when World Boxing, another international governing body, banned Khelif from all their competitions. The organization said she must undergo mandatory sex testing, specifically an SRY gene test to detect the presence of the Y chromosome. While an appeal has been filed with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to challenge this ruling, it has not yet been heard.

“I am fully qualified to take part in this competition — I am a woman. I was born a woman, I’ve lived as a woman and I’ve competed as a woman. There’s no doubt that there are enemies of success, and that gives my success a special taste because of these attacks,” Khelif said 

Implications

The issue is the lack of a unified standard. Khelif was disqualified from the 2023 International Boxing Association (IBA) World Championships for “failing an eligibility test,” yet just a year later, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) allowed her to compete, and she won a gold medal. This direct contradiction between the two major governing bodies highlights a fundamental breakdown in communication.

This legal and regulatory uncertainty sets a dangerous precedent. It opens the door for other athletes to face the same scrutiny, which could be damaging and unfairly target individuals. Finally, the controversy is a major setback for women’s boxing. The sport has made incredible strides in recent years, gaining mainstream recognition and a growing fanbase. However, a public, high-profile case like this detracts from the athletic achievements of the boxers.