"An embarrassing decision". A "man" was named the best female football player of the year. Photo of the winner

The Orlando Pride and Zambia national team striker Barbara Banda has been named the best female footballer of the year by BBC readers, The Telegraph reports. Five athletes selected by experts - coaches, players and sports journalists - took part in the nomination. Banda's rivals included Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmati.

Earlier, in 2022, Banda was not allowed to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations due to elevated testosterone levels that exceeded the permissible standards set by the African Football Confederation.

After the 2021 Olympics, the Zambian Football Association offered the athlete and her teammates a course to reduce hormone levels, but they refused, fearing side effects.

In 2024, Banda scored 4 goals at the Olympics, three of which came against Australia. She scored 13 times in the regular season of the US championship, and added 4 more goals in the playoffs.

Sharon Davis, a silver medalist at the 1980 Olympics and an activist, condemned the decision.

"But he's a man with gender differentiation disorder who failed sex tests, just like [athlete] Semenya and [boxer] Helif. It's very sad that the BBC is actively encouraging the destruction and denial of opportunities for women athletes in sport. I am embarrassed and disappointed that they actively support this injustice," the swimmer wrote on Twitter.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!