A recent debate has emerged within women's sports over proposed gene testing requirements for athletes wishing to compete in women’s Olympic events. This discussion is tied to an executive order from former President Donald Trump aimed at protecting female sports. The controversy gained heightened attention following statements from the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) regarding Orlando Pride striker Barbra Banda, who was previously ruled ineligible to represent Zambia in a 2022 World Cup qualifying tournament due to elevated natural testosterone levels detected by the Confederation of African Football.
On Tuesday, the NWSL released a public statement defending Banda amid criticism and calls for stricter gender eligibility policies in women's sports. The league praised Banda as an elite athlete, highlighting her selection to the FIFPRO World XI — an accolade voted on exclusively by her global peers — as evidence of her exceptional talent and impact on the sport. The NWSL’s statement emphasized that any harassment or hateful attacks directed at Banda were unacceptable and reaffirmed the league’s commitment to supporting all its players unconditionally.
The Orlando Pride soccer club echoed these sentiments in a similar statement issued around the same time. The team described Banda as not only a superb player and teammate but also a role model. They celebrated her achievements, including her consecutive FIFPRO World 11 honors, and expressed pride in having her represent both the club and their community. The Pride reiterated their support for Banda’s ongoing career and contributions to the league.
The controversy intensified after Angel City FC midfielder Elizabeth Eddy published an op-ed in the New York Post last week advocating for a clearer and stricter gender eligibility policy within the NWSL. Eddy called for standards akin to those in the United Kingdom’s Women’s Super League, suggesting that only athletes “born with ovaries” should be eligible to compete in women’s divisions. Alternatively, she proposed implementing an SRY gene test, similar to those used by World Athletics and World Boxing, to determine eligibility. Eddy stressed the importance of fairness and inclusion as core American values and argued that open dialogue on these issues is necessary to protect current and future female athletes.
Eddy’s op-ed prompted a mixed response, sparking debate among fans, media, and even her own teammates. Several Angel City FC players publicly disagreed with her stance, expressing hurt and disappointment. At a press conference over the weekend, teammates Sarah Gorden and Angelina Anderson spoke out against the article’s message. Gorden described the piece as carrying undertones that were both transphobic and racist, criticizing the use of a photo of an African player in the article’s headline as particularly harmful and racially insensitive. She shared her personal perspective as a mixed-race woman, emphasizing that singling out athletes based on their appearance or genetic differences was problematic and damaging.
Anderson echoed these concerns, highlighting Angel City FC’s foundational values of inclusivity and acceptance. She described the club as a community built on love and respect for all individuals, underscoring that this ethos extends throughout the team, staff, and fanbase. Anderson acknowledged the timing of the controversy as an additional challenge during an already difficult season but expressed hope that the team could maintain a sense of respect and belonging moving forward. She concluded by affirming Angel City FC’s commitment to being a welcoming space for everyone, now and in the future.
The debate surrounding Barbra Banda and gender eligibility in women’s sports reflects broader, ongoing discussions at the intersection of sports, science, and social values. As governing bodies consider how best to define fairness and inclusion, voices from across the athletic community continue to weigh in, highlighting the complexity and sensitivity of the issue.
Jackson Thompson, a sports writer for Fox News Digital with experience covering major sporting events such as the Super Bowl and NBA Finals, reported on the story. Thompson has interviewed numerous legendary athletes and provides in-depth coverage of sports news and controversies. The evolving conversation about gender eligibility and athlete rights remains a significant topic in the sports world, with implications for policies at both national and international levels.
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