Author JK Rowling has slammed Britain's national broadcaster after the media giant named a player who failed a gender test as this year's female footballer of the year.
Barbra Banda, who was born in Zambia and plays for the Orlando Pride in the United States, BBC Selected as the 2024 Female Soccer Player of the Year.
Blaze News reported at the time that Banda was disqualified from the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations after failing a “gender verification” test that all participants are required to undergo.
Rowling, who identifies as a woman and has been harshly critical of men who participate in women's sports, reacted to the news by saying that winning the award would be easier than directly insulting women.
“Perhaps the BBC decided this was more time efficient than going door to door and spitting directly in women's faces,” she said. I wrote.
In 2022, Banda reportedly showed natural testosterone levels that exceeded the limits set by the Confederation of African Football.
Zambia Football Association President Andrew Karumanga said: bbc sports africa“All players had to undergo gender verification, which is a CAF requirement, but unfortunately [Banda] It did not meet the standards set by CAF. ”
The BBC claimed that Banda took medication to lower his testosterone levels in 2023, but that his levels did not fall sufficiently by the time the WAFCON tournament began.
However, Blaze News revealed in 2024 that further investigation revealed that Banda and two other teammates reportedly refused to take testosterone suppressants, citing unpaid side effects.
Comedian Leonarda Johnny told Blaze News at the time that the decision was “an attempt to humiliate” him. [women]. ”
“Everyone knows this is wrong, especially the people who caused it.”
“I feel like my heart is very strong. I know where I'm coming from.”
While accepting the BBC Award, Banda was asked directly about this issue.
“I don't like dwelling on the past, but I have to focus on myself,” Banda said. BBC.
“Whatever happened in the past is in the past. I just focus on the new generation and where I am now, my career and the philanthropic work I do with so many people back home in Zambia.” So that's my main focus right now. ”
Banda added, “If I kept thinking mentally about what happened in the past, I wouldn't be where I am today. But I feel like my mind is that strong and I know where I came from.'' I know what happened,” he added.
According to telegraphBefore soccer, Banda was a boxer and won all five of his professional bouts.
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