International Boxing Association (IBA) president Umar Kremlev has called on Algerian boxer Imane Khelif to return her Olympic gold medal, citing unresolved concerns over her eligibility. Khelif made history by clinching gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics, but nearly a year later, controversy surrounding gender test results continues to cast a shadow over her victory.
Kremlev criticized the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for allowing Khelif to compete, despite previous test results reportedly indicating the presence of XY chromosomes. According to the IBA, two separate gender tests, conducted during the 2022 and 2023 World Championships, raised concerns that ultimately led to Khelif’s disqualification from IBA events.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, Kremlev accused the IOC of prioritizing politics over fairness in sport. “The IOC is handing out medals based on political interests,” he said. “Khelif should be required to return the medal to ensure integrity in women’s boxing.” He emphasized the need for standardized gender testing before major competitions to uphold fair play.
Khelif has maintained that she was born female and remains adamant about her right to compete. Following her Olympic success, she filed a lawsuit against former U.S. President Donald Trump and author J.K. Rowling for questioning her gender on social media. The boxer remains a celebrated figure in Algeria, where she is viewed as a trailblazer and national icon.
While Khelif’s eligibility is still debated, Kremlev applauded Trump’s 2028 directive banning transgender women from competing in women’s sports in the U.S. “This rule is now law and is being adopted globally,” he said. “To ensure fairness, gender testing should be mandatory before every event, one rule for all.”
