The BBC has come under fire for choosing a Zambian soccer player, who was dropped from the team after failing a gender test, as its female player of the year.
The station selected Barbara Banda, 24, for the award. Banda was the same player who was forced to withdraw from Zambia's squad for the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations after failing to meet gender testing regulations. But the decision to select Banda has infuriated women's rights groups.
The national team removed the bandas after officials recognized that the gender results were questionable. Banda did not submit to testing by the Confederation of African Football.
Banda was registered as female at birth, but she also refused to take suppressants to lower her testosterone levels. daily mail.
For example, the Women's Rights Network (WRN) accused the network of “bringing disrepute” to women's sports by choosing Banda. Other groups protesting include For Women Scotland and Sex Matters.
Fiona Makanena, campaign director at Sex Matters, said: GBN“No wonder women are protesting outside events that are meant to celebrate the achievements of outstanding women. They are expressing things that most people think but dare not say. ”
“There is serious doubt that Vanda is female.Based on reports of failing gender tests, it is much more likely that Vanda is a man with a disorder of sexual development. No female footballer has been asked to lower their prices,” Makanena added.
“Although men with sexual developmental disorders are rare, they are overrepresented in women's competitions because the advantages of masculinity confer speed and strength.” He will be a player similar to Semenya,” Makanena said.
WRN added: “If a female soccer player fails to meet the 'gender eligibility' criteria, unavoidable questions regarding gender will arise.”
harry potter Author JK Rowling also criticized the Beeb's choice, writing, “Perhaps the BBC decided this was more time efficient than going door to door and spitting directly in women's faces.” vehemently criticized.
The BBC responded that the award was based on Banda's achievements.
“In addition to playing in the past two Olympics and the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, Barbra Banda has also played for the Zambia Women's National Team and the Orlando Pride in the United States, and is a great addition to the talent pool in women's soccer. He is fully qualified for this award. The list of five finalists was determined by an expert panel of current and former professionals, coaches and journalists based on performance over the past 12 months, with the winner chosen by public vote. a BBC spokesperson said.
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