A post shared on social media purports that Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has been banned from boxing and stripped of all Olympic gold medals.
Verdict: False
The claim has been denied by the WBO.
Fact Check:
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A post shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, purports Khelif was stripped of all her Olympic medals after the France Olympics in August. The post shared images of Khalif in the ring and one of her with a medal.
The caption reads, “‘THE END FOR THE OLYMPIC LIAR’ – Imane Khelif Stripped Of Gold Medal And Banned For Life After WBO Confirms Male Gender Identity.”
The claim is inaccurate. The claim was not found on the World Boxing Organisation’s (WBO) website. Likewise, there is no such statement found on the WBO’s social media accounts.
International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach said in a press conference there has never been any question that Khelif is a woman, according to USA Today. (RELATED: Did Vogue Algeria Feature Imane Khelif On Cover?)
Reuters reported that The Algerian Boxing Federation claimed, “all false news about Algerian boxing in general, and the Olympic champion ‘Imane Khelif’ (in particular) is baseless and has no connection to the International Olympic Committee.”
WBO legal counsel confirmed that the claim that Khelif has been banned is false, according to BBC. Furthermore, Khelif is an amateur boxer, meaning the WBO would not be able to ban her, according to Mirror. The outlet also reported the WBO wished her luck.
This is not the first time misinformation involving a public figure has circulated online. Check Your Fact recently debunked a claim Elon Musk pledged $5 billion to endorse former President Donald Trump.