Footie star Barbra Banda at centre of gender row controversially named BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year
A FOOTIE star at the centre of a gender row has been controversially named the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year.
Zambian striker Barbra Banda, 24, missed the Africa Cup of Nations in 2022 due to elevated levels of testosterone in a gender test.
She has now topped the Beeb’s poll after her performance at the Olympics in the summer.
But ex-GB swimmer Sharron Davies branded her win “just bloody ridiculous”.
And sailor Tracy Edwards called it “the destruction of women’s sports”.
Banda, who plays for US side Orlando Pride, said: “I am shocked and surprised to have this.
“I would like to thank the people who voted and everyone who has played a part in my life and my career.
“It is for everyone.”
She added: “I do not like to dwell on the past. I have just to focus on myself.
“If I kept on thinking about what was going on in the past, mentally then I would not be where I am right now.
“But I feel like my mind is that strong and I know where I am coming from.”
A BBC spokesman defended her inclusion and said the result was based on a public vote.
