A footballer, controversially removed from a tournament after failing to meet gender eligibility rules, has been named BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year.
Zambian striker Barbra Banda was handed the gong on Tuesday – despite previously being withdrawn from the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) over gender eligibility concerns.
The 24-year-old forward, who plays for Florida outlet Orlando Pride, received the most votes from BBC Sport website readers after being included on a five-player shortlist.
But the award comes two years after Banda was omitted from Zambia’s Wafcon squad before she could undergo sex testing, following concerns about high testosterone levels.
Banda was handed the gong on Tuesday despite previously being withdrawn from the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations over gender eligibility concerns
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As a result, the news has sparked uproar from women’s sports advocates and former athletes alike.
Harry Potter author and gender-critical campaigner JK Rowling said: “Presumably the BBC decided this was more time efficient than going door to door to spit directly in women’s faces.”
Tracy Edwards, Britain’s former round-the-world sailor, condemned the award as the “destruction of women’s sports”.
While Tish Reid, a 1992 British Olympic rower, argued that “obligatory sex screening would negate any rumours and controversy around individuals competing in the female sporting arena”.
The Women’s Rights Network accused the BBC of bringing female sport into “disrepute” by including Banda on the shortlist – in response, the broadcaster noted that their selection panel did not include any BBC personnel, and the winner was determined by public vote.
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Banda has notched some 13 goals in the National Women’s Soccer League this season
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Banda said she was “shocked and surprised to have this award right by my side”, adding: “I would like to thank the people who voted and everyone who has played a part in my life and my career – my family, my national team in Zambia and especially the Pride team.
“It is for everyone,” she said.
The award was decided through public voting after nominees were selected by a panel of global football experts, including coaches, players, administrators and non-BBC journalists.
In 2022, Andrew Kamanga, president of the Zambian federation, explained Banda’s Wafcon omission to BBC Africa: “All players had to undergo gender verification, a CAF [Confederation of African Football] requirement, and unfortunately she did not meet the criteria set by CAF.”
Banda’s federation offered hormone suppression treatment, but she said no
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Reports indicated that after the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, where Banda scored six goals, Zambian officials were aware her testosterone levels exceeded CAF’s maximum limits.
The federation offered hormone suppression treatment, but Banda and two teammates – Racheal Kundananji and Racheal Nacula – declined the medication due to concerns about potential side-effects.
Banda has enjoyed surging success in her current role at Orlando Pride – and has notched some 13 goals in the National Women’s Soccer League this season.
And though the 24-year-old drew headlines for her Olympic performances, Banda enjoyed a pre-football career as a professional boxer, winning all five of her bouts.
A potential move to Real Madrid had been discussed in 2022, but fell through following the Wafcon controversy.
She subsequently joined Orlando Pride in March, helping the club secure their first NWSL title last month.