Female footballer who was banned wins footballer of the year.

Zambian footballer Barbra Banda who missed a major tournament over gender eligibility because of high testosterone levels has been named as BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year.Banda was left out of Zambia’s squad for the Women’s African Cup of Nations two years ago with reports at the time claiming she had failed a gender test.It later emerged she was not tested by tournament organizer but she was omitted when team bosses became aware of her testosterone levels which exceeds those permitted by the Confederation of African Football.

The former professional boxer, who was registered female at birth, according to the Associated Press, was claimed to have refused to take suppressants to lower her levels out of concerns about potential side effects.Zambia and Orlando Pride striker, Barbra Banda received the most votes from BBC Sport website readers after being included on a five-player shortlist.

Her victory was announced today in a BBC Sport website report.Second place went to Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati and USA and Portland Thorns forwardSophia Smith was third.

Banda’s inclusion in the running for the annual prize was criticised by women’s rights groups because she was previously ruled out of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in 2022 over high testosterone levels.

The Women’s Rights Network had accused the broadcaster of bringing female sport into ‘disrepute’ by including Banda on the shortlist.The five nominees were picked by a panel of experts involved in football across the globe including coaches, players, administrators and non-BBC journalists.The corporation’s coverage today said: ‘This panel did not include any BBC personnel, and the winner was voted for by the public!