Barbra Banda Named BBC Women's Footballer of the Year

Barbra Banda, a Zambian striker for Orlando Pride, has been named BBC Women's Footballer of the Year despite previously being excluded from the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations due to alleged high testosterone levels. Banda's nomination sparked criticism from women’s rights groups, who argue that her inclusion in the shortlist undermines the integrity of women's sports. The BBC's announcement of her win did not address the controversy surrounding her gender eligibility, which involved her being pre-emptively withdrawn from the tournament without undergoing testing. Banda expressed her surprise and gratitude upon receiving the award, acknowledging her supporters and teammates. Second and third places went to Aitana Bonmati and Sophia Smith, respectively, while the nominees were selected by a panel of global football experts. This situation highlights ongoing debates regarding gender eligibility and fairness in women's sports.