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The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) defended player Barbra Banda on Tuesday after the Orlando Pride striker faced online harassment following her being named to the FIFPRO Women’s World 11 earlier in the week. Why It Matters The NWSL’s support of Banda comes at a time when women’s soccer is under increasing scrutiny regarding policies for gender eligibility and the participation of transgender athletes. “We are committed to working directly with the NWSL Players Association on any changes to our league policies,” an NWSL spokesperson told Newsweek. “This ensures that the voices of our players are central to our process and reinforces our commitment to inclusion, trust, and transparency.” Only days before Banda received the award, Angel City FC midfielder Elizabeth Eddy penned an opinion piece published in the New York Post, on October 27, advocating for stricter gender standards in women’s soccer, which reignited debate on inclusivity and fair competition in women’s sports. Newsweek reached out to Banda and Eddy via email for comment. What To Know The NWSL publicly defended Banda after she became the subject of online abuse following her inclusion in the FIFPRO Women’s World 11, an annual global player award voted on exclusively by players. Barbra Banda #22 of the Orlando Pride drives the ball during the second half of a match against the Utah Royals on August 3 in Orlando, Florida. (Dustin Markland/Getty Images) Banda has previously faced controversy surrounding her gender, notably when the Zambian Football Federation reportedly withdrew her from the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations out of concern over a gender verification test. FIFA and the Confederation of African Football later confirmed Banda had never been disqualified from international competition due to eligibility issues, and the Orlando Pride said she has never taken such a test, according to a report by Pro Soccer Wire. Online attacks against Banda escalated after her recognition for FIFPRO Women’s World 11, prompting the NWSL to issue a statement denouncing all forms of harassment and affirming support for Banda and all players. “Barbra Banda is a top player in the NWSL,” the statement said. “Barbra’s selection to the FIFPRO World XI, a distinction voted on exclusively by her peers from across the global game, is a testament to her extraordinary talent, relentless work ethic, and impact on our sports and league.” “Her contributions to the Orlando Pride and NWSL have been transformative,” the statement continued. “Any harassment or hateful attacks toward Barbra are unacceptable and have no place in our sport, league or communities. We stand unequivocally with Barbra and with every NWSL player.” The renewed scrutiny follows Eddy’s op-ed, which urged the NWSL to implement rules that only allow players “born with ovaries” or subject them to genetic testing. The piece argued such standards are necessary to preserve the integrity of women’s sports and ensure the league’s continued growth. Eddy cited bans on transgender women in women’s soccer elsewhere, like England’s Football Association (FA), as examples to follow. Eddy came under fire after the op-ed published, with Angel City FC and the team’s captain, center back Sarah Gorden, both denouncing the piece. Gorden called the op-ed “racist” and “transphobic.” The NWSL does not have an explicit policy regarding the eligibility of transgender athletes. No players currently in the league have publicly identified as transgender, according to a report from The Guardian. What People Are Saying Banda, on X Monday: “[I am] beyond grateful and humbled to be once again among the eleven players that have been picked by our fellow players for the 2025 FIFPRO Women’s #World11 as decided by players worldwide. It’s an honor and a privilege to make such a prestigious squad, thank you.” Eddy, in her op-ed: “The NWSL must adopt a clear standard. One option is all players must be born with ovaries, as the FA requires. Another option is an SRY gene test, like those World Athletics and World Boxing implemented.” Angel City FC, in a statement responding to Eddy’s op-ed: “In response to an op-ed published on October 27th, we want to make clear that while we respect the right for an individual to express their opinion, it does not reflect the opinion of an entire organization. Since our founding, Angel City has remained committed to equity, inclusion, and belonging. These principles will always guide how we show up for our team, fans, and community.” Gorden, in response to the Eddy piece: “That article does not speak for this team. In this locker room, I’ve had a lot of convos with my teamma...
