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Barbra Banda, a rising women’s football star, ruled not eligible by gender verification test

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2 years ago

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By Christi Young

Barbra Banda, a rising star in women’s soccer and the captain of Zambia’s national team, was ruled ineligible for this summer’s Africa Cup of Nations by “gender verification” tests, according to Zambian soccer authorities and multiple reports.

Banda, a 22-year-old forward, scored two hat tricks at last summer’s Olympics and has excelled for her Chinese club, Shanghai Shengli. But she was mysteriously “unavailable” for Zambia’s women’s AFCON opener on Sunday due to what Zambia’s soccer federation (FAZ) called “medical reasons.”

Reports soon emerged that pre-tournament tests had revealed natural testosterone levels that exceeded limits set by governing bodies. Andrew Kamanga, the FAZ president, said in a statement Wednesday that the rules are those of the African soccer confederation, CAF, and in line with regulations developed by FIFA, the sport’s global governing body.

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CAF has distanced itself from Banda’s absence, and did not respond to news reporters’ request for comment. But Kamanga told BBC Sport Africa: “All the players had to undergo gender verification, a CAF requirement, and unfortunately she did not meet the criteria set by CAF.”

An official CAF document requires team physicians to attest that players have “been examined … to verify their gender,” and that the players “do not show any perceived deviation in secondary sex characteristics and are therefore presumed to be of female gender.”

In 2011, FIFA outlined similar “gender verification” regulations that required soccer federations to “actively investigate any perceived deviation in secondary sex characteristics” — which are physical traits typically associated with one sex but not directly involved in reproduction. Entire women’s national teams have been required to confirm, via team doctors and personal medical documents, that they are women. If necessary, the regulations state, a medical officer can call for “a physical examination performed by an independent expert.”

Rights advocates and scientists have criticized the requirements, calling them invasive and discriminatory — and devised primarily by Western men, based on traditional Western gender classifications, but applied across global populations.

“These policies and procedures violate the athlete’s privacy, and the tests themselves violate bodily autonomy,” Katrina Karkazis, an Amherst professor who has studied sexuality and testosterone, told reporters.

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They also completely exclude certain athletes like Banda, who, as a woman, likely would not be allowed to compete in men’s soccer either. “For FIFA men’s competitions, only men are eligible to play,” FIFA’s regulations state.

Those regulations — although currently under review, according to FIFA — have not been walked back. And CAF’s are similar, if not stricter, according to Zambian officials.

Last fall, the International Olympic Committee updated its guidance to discourage “invasive physical examinations” and “policies that require women to modify their hormone levels to compete.” Those, the IOC said, are “disrespectful” and “potentially harmful,” and “can have serious adverse impacts on their health.”

IOC officials said they’d heard directly from athletes who explained that old regulations, which mandated testosterone suppression, “generated severe harm to their health.” In one high-profile case, South African runner Caster Semenya recently told HBO that testosterone suppression drugs “made me sick, made me gain weight,” gave her panic attacks, and made her worry about heart attacks.

“It’s like stabbing yourself with a knife every day,” Semenya said. If she wanted to compete, she “had no choice” but to take the drugs. She instead gave them up and, by extension, gave up her Olympic dreams.

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According to Zambian officials, Banda and other players faced a similar choice. FAZ spokesman Sydney Mungala told ESPN that, in the aftermath of Banda’s breakout performance at the Olympics, she was told that her testosterone levels were above CAF’s threshold, and was offered medication to lower them. “Our medics engaged the players and they weren’t willing to go through with it,” Mungala said, citing the potential side effects.

BBC Sport Africa reported that Banda had taken medication, but still did not meet testosterone requirements.

Banda’s hormone levels have not affected her participation in professional leagues. She played for DUX Logroño in Spain as a teen, then moved to Shanghai. She is now reportedly the subject of interest from Real Madrid, among other top European clubs, and could make a move this summer.

“The players being denied an opportunity to showcase their skills on African soil have been free to play at FIFA- and International Olympic Committee-organized competitions that deploy a less stringent standard,” Kamanga, the FAZ president, said in his statement.

But Banda will not appear at the African continental championship for her national team. Nor will three lesser-known teammates who, according to reports, have also been deemed ineligible by the “gender verification” process. Their “opportunity,” Mungala told ESPN, “has been lost.”

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Banda has not commented publicly on the situation. While sidelined, she has been telling her teammates: “I am with you all the way.”

FIFA spokespeople did not immediately respond to questions about the governing body’s rules. FIFA has said it is “currently reviewing its gender eligibility regulations,” and consulting medical, legal, scientific, performance and human rights experts, but it has not commented on Banda’s case. (YS). GMTNews

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Coco Gauff Makes History with China Open Title Win

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3 hours ago

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October 6, 2024

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Coco Gauff

American tennis sensation Coco Gauff stormed to victory at the China Open on Sunday, overpowering Karolina Muchová 6-1, 6-3 in a dominant display. With this victory, the 20-year-old became the first American to win the tournament since Serena Williams in 2013, adding her eighth WTA title to her growing collection.

The win marked another historic milestone for Gauff, as she became the first woman in WTA history to win her first seven hard-court finals in the Open era. In her post-match interview, Gauff was gracious in her praise of Muchová, saying, “Congratulations to you, Karolina. It’s great to see you back on tour. You’re such an amazing player and you deserve everything.”

From the outset, Gauff was relentless, stamping her authority on the final by wrapping up the first set in just 30 minutes. Muchová, despite her strong form coming into the match with wins over US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka and Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen, struggled to match Gauff’s intensity.

The Czech player, who has battled injuries throughout the season, was unable to handle Gauff’s power and precision. The American limited her unforced errors to just eight, while Muchová committed 24, a statistic that played a crucial role in the outcome of the match.

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Muchová briefly threatened a comeback in the second set, breaking Gauff’s serve to take a 2-0 lead. However, Gauff quickly regained control, breaking back immediately and asserting her dominance to close out the match in straight sets.

This victory marked Gauff’s first title in nine months and her first since making changes to her coaching team. She recently added Matt Daly as her new coach, parting ways with Brad Gilbert, who had previously helped her secure titles at the US Open, Cincinnati, and Washington.

Next on Gauff’s agenda is the Wuhan Open, where she will aim to build on her remarkable form as she continues to rise in the world rankings.

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Juventus Eye Nigerian Striker Osimhen for January Transfer

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2 weeks ago

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September 24, 2024

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Voctor Osimhen

● Debie Rajah

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has been linked with a potential move to Juventus in the upcoming January 2025 transfer window, according to reports by renowned Italian journalist Paolo Paganini. The report, which aired on the football program 90° Minuto, suggests that Juventus is actively considering Osimhen as a key target to bolster their attack for the second half of the season.

Currently on loan at Turkish club Galatasaray following a difficult stint in the English Premier League, Osimhen has remained a highly sought-after forward across Europe. Juventus’ interest could reunite him with Cristiano Giuntoli, the sporting director who initially brought him to Napoli during his time there. Giuntoli is believed to be a strong advocate for Osimhen, seeing him as a player who can add dynamism and goal-scoring prowess to the Bianconeri attack.

“Juventus is on the lookout for a top striker, and Victor Osimhen is definitely one of their primary targets,” Paganini revealed during the broadcast. “Giuntoli has always been a big admirer of Osimhen’s talents, and a move could be on the cards in January.”

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Juventus has struggled to find consistency in their forward line, prompting the club to explore several options ahead of the winter transfer window. Osimhen, with his proven track record in Serie A and his versatility, is seen as an ideal fit to revitalize the club’s fortunes in front of goal. A source within Juventus hinted that the club sees Osimhen as a “long-term investment.”

Fans of Juventus are reportedly excited about the possibility of the Nigerian striker joining their ranks. “Osimhen has shown time and again that he can deliver in Italy. Bringing him to Juventus would be a brilliant move,” one supporter stated. Whether the deal materializes remains to be seen, but Osimhen’s potential return to Italy is already generating significant buzz in the football world.

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Emmanuel Amuneke Appointed as New Coach of Heartland FC

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2 months ago

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August 6, 2024

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By Chibueze Onyekwere

Owerri – Heartland Football Club of Owerri now has head coach, Emmanuel Amuneke. This exciting development brings the expertise of an experienced ex-international to the local league, promising positive changes for the club and the league as a whole.

Amuneke, a former Nigerian international and celebrated football legend, is renowned for his contributions to both club and country during his playing days. His new role at Heartland FC is seen as a significant boost for the team, as his vast experience is expected to elevate the club’s performance.

The appointment has been met with enthusiasm from football fans and analysts alike. “Having someone of Amuneke’s caliber involved in our local league is a great development,” said a sports commentator, Henry Nwabufor. “His experience will undoubtedly impact the league positively, both technically and in terms of drawing spectators to the stadia.”

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Amuneke’s career achievements include playing for top clubs in Europe and being part of the Nigerian squad that won the 1994 African Cup of Nations and the 1996 Olympic gold medal. His transition from a successful playing career to coaching has been marked by various stints, including managing Nigeria’s U-17 team to World Cup victory in 2015.

Heartland FC supporters are hopeful that Amuneke’s appointment will bring a fresh and dynamic approach to the team’s strategy and performance. “We wish our legend good luck,” said Onyewuenyi, a Heartland FC fan. “His presence is a huge morale boost for both the players and the fans.”

The local league stands to benefit from the involvement of such high-profile ex-international. Increased attendance and fan engagement at matches are anticipated as supporters flock to see the influence of legends like Amuneke. “This will surely bring more spectators to our various stadiums,” Clifford Eze, another analyst remarked.

Amuneke’s immediate tasks will include assessing the current squad, formulating training programs, and preparing the team for upcoming fixtures. His extensive knowledge and tactical acumen are expected to bring a new level of professionalism and competitiveness to Heartland FC.

As Heartland FC embarks on this new chapter with Emmanuel Amuneke at the helm, the football community watches with bated breath. The club’s fans and the entire league eagerly anticipate the positive impact of his leadership and vision. Gmtnewsng

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