BBC gives top women's football award to player banned in gender controversy

The BBC have announced a leading women's football award has gone to a player who was banned amid a gender row in 2022.

The shortlist for the Women’s Footballer of the Year award was announced last month, with five players featuring following the selections of an expert panel which included coaches, players and non-BBC journalists. The winner was then decided by BBC readers and it was Barbra Banda of Zambia and Orlando Pride who received the most votes.

Her win comes after she scored four goals for Zambia at the Paris Olympics to become the all-time African goalscorer in the competition.

Banda, the second-most expensive women's football in history, joined Orlando Pride in the 2024 National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) in March and scored 17 goals as they were crowned champions through the play-offs.

Banda beat Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati, US and Portland Thorns forward Sophia Smith, Norway and Barcelona winger Caroline Graham Hansen and US and San Diego Wave defender Naomi Girma to the gong.

Barbra Banda was named the BBC's Women's Footballer of the Year. Image: Getty

However, there is a tinge of controversy attached to the win as Banda was banned from the 2022 Women’s African Cup of Nations after allegedly failing to meet gender eligibility rules.

Women's rights groups had been critical of her inclusion in the shortlist as she was withdrawn from the showpiece for allegedly high testosterone level,s with the Women's Rights Network accusing the BBC of bringing female sport into "disrepute".

In response to the announcement, former Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies called it "just bloody ridiculous", while round-the-world sailor Tracy Edwards said Banda's win was "the destruction of women's sports".

Banda, registered female at birth, was reportedly not tested by AFCON organisers but was left out of the squad after Zambia officials became aware that her testosterone levels breached the limit set by the Confederation of African Football, as per the Daily Mail.

She participated in the World Cup and Olympics as FIFA and the IOC [International Olympic Committee], as they are less strict with regulations, The Times said.

At the time, Andrew Kamanga, the president of Zambia’s FA, reacted to Banda and three other players being omitted, telling BBC Sport Africa: "All the players had to undergo gender verification, a Caf requirement, and unfortunately she did not meet the criteria set."

However, Banda's agent, Anton Maksimov refuted claims she underwent and failed gender verification tests and said the decision was taken following an "evaluation of her physical conditions".

"I am shocked and surprised to have this award right by my side," Banda told BBC Sport after her win was confirmed.

"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."