Sambias Barbra Banda - FIFA rules to testosterone unclear

Sambias Barbra Banda - FIFA rules to testosterone unclear

Footballer Barbra Banda: Testosterone values and sets of rules ensure uncertainty

Stand: 07.07.2023 08:09

Sambia's national soccer player Barbra Banda is the focus of attention because she was excluded from some competitions due to high testosterone values. But at the upcoming World Women's World Championship, she can play along, although the regulations are unclear in this regard.

The women's national team in Sambias has prepared for the women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in the past few weeks. At the end of the preparation, the prestigious test game against the German selection will take place on July 7th. In the team 35, Barbra Banda is also located, who is the strongest player in the team. In 2021 she gained worldwide awareness when she scored a hat trick at the Olympic Games in two group games.

However, Banda was not allowed to play at the Africa Cup last summer, even though her team was stuck to the semi-finals. The African Football Association CAF withdrawn from the right to participate shortly before the start of the tournament due to an unsuccessful "gender review process". Since then, the "Fall Banda" has been compared to the "Casters Caster Semenya". Like the South African athlete Semenya, Barbra Banda was excluded from international competitions due to a high testosterone value.

The African Football Association has set a limit for testosterone, the exceedance of which can lead to the exclusion of athletes. In comparison, the World Athletics Association has changed its rules, so athletes can only start if they have reduced their testosterone level. So far there are no such regulations in football.

FIFA has not yet commented on whether special players could be banned from participating in international competitions due to testosterone values. However, she works with various experts on this complex topic. Due to the lack of uniform gender regulations, Sarai Bareman, Chief Women’s Football Officer at the World Corporate Association, sees a need for action.

Despite the uncertainties and different rules, Barbra Banda will be able to compete at the 2023 World Cup. Sambia is one of four qualified African teams and the football world is excited to see how the team around Banda will do.