Carini, competing in the -66 kg category, was forced to quit after sustaining injuries from Khelif’s punches. She declined to shake hands with Khelif, expressing dissatisfaction with the outcome. Salvini took to social media, questioning why Khelif, whom he referred to disparagingly as a "trans boxer," was allowed to compete in the Olympics despite being banned from the World Boxing Championships in 2023 due to elevated testosterone levels detected by the International Amateur Boxing Association.
Following the match, Khelif faced a wave of online harassment from various quarters, including prominent figures like Elon Musk, who publicly criticized her participation. Despite the backlash, Khelif received support from Algerian athletes, the Algerian press, and the Algerian Olympic and Sports Committee, which condemned the attacks as unethical and misleading.
IOC spokesperson Mark Adams defended Khelif's eligibility, emphasizing that all Olympic competitors adhere to established rules. He acknowledged that testosterone testing is not perfect and that some women naturally have higher levels of testosterone.
As Khelif advances in the tournament, her coach Mohamed Chaoua stated that the controversy has only strengthened her resolve. Khelif herself expressed gratitude to the Algerian people and remains hopeful for further success, aiming for a medal and ultimately a gold.