What's happened
Zambian footballer Barbra Banda, recently awarded the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year, has faced significant backlash, including accusations of unfair competition. The controversy stems from her past withdrawal from the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations due to gender verification concerns, despite never undergoing testing. Supporters defend her achievements amid the criticism.
Why it matters
What the papers say
The Guardian's Suzanne Wrack highlights the support Banda has received from her coach, who called the criticism 'ridiculous' and emphasized her contributions to the sport. Meanwhile, Lawrence Ostlere from The Independent notes the backlash Banda faces, including accusations of being 'a man' and 'cheating' other female athletes. The BBC defended its decision to award Banda, stating she met the eligibility criteria based on her performances. This contrast illustrates the divided opinions surrounding her recognition and the broader implications for women's sports.
How we got here
Banda's recognition as BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year follows her impressive performances, including four goals at the Olympics and a standout season with Orlando Pride. However, her past withdrawal from the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations due to alleged gender verification issues has sparked controversy and online abuse.
More on these topics
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Barbra Banda is a Zambian footballer who plays as a forward for Chinese club Shanghai Shengli and the Zambia women's national team.
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Joanne Rowling CH, OBE, HonFRSE, FRCPE, FRSL, better known by her pen name J. K. Rowling, is a British author, screenwriter, producer, and philanthropist.