Key Highlights
- Angel City FC captain Sarah Gorden and vice captain Angelina Anderson criticized teammate Elizabeth Eddy’s editorial for being “racist and transphobic.”
- Eddy called for NWSL to implement “gender standards” in an op-ed, suggesting eligibility based on birth or genetic testing.
- The team released a statement supporting inclusivity and stating the opinion does not reflect the organization’s values.
- Barbra Banda, a cisgender player with Zambian national team experience, was singled out as an example of potential harm from Eddy’s proposed standards.
NWSL Stars Condemn Teammate’s Editorial on “Gender Standards”
A recent editorial by Angel City FC defender Elizabeth Eddy has sparked controversy within the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). The piece, which appeared in the New York Post on October 27, proposed that the NWSL establish clear “gender standards,” potentially limiting eligibility based on birth or genetic testing.
Eddy’s Proposed Standards and Their Controversy
In her editorial, Eddy suggested that players be eligible for the league only if they were “born with ovaries” or required genetic testing. This approach has raised concerns among some NWSL teams and players, particularly regarding its potential impact on transgender athletes.
Eddy’s suggestion comes as the NWSL has already faced scrutiny over its policies related to transgender participation. In 2021, the league issued a policy allowing transgender women to compete if their testosterone levels were “within typical limits of women athletes.” However, the league abandoned this policy in 2022 and currently does not have an active policy regarding gender eligibility.
Angel City FC’s Response
The team’s leaders, Sarah Gorden and Angelina Anderson, expressed their disappointment with Eddy’s editorial. During a media availability before a regular season game on Sunday, both women highlighted the conflict between the proposed standards and the team’s commitment to inclusivity.
Gorden stated, “In this locker room, I’ve had a lot of convos with my teammates in the past few days, and they are hurt and they are harmed by the article. And also they are disgusted by some of the things that were said in the article.”
Anderson added, “Angel City is a place for everyone.
It always will be. That’s how it was from the beginning. That’s how it always will be, period.” The team has long been known for its inclusive stance and has posted a statement on Instagram emphasizing this commitment.
Barbra Banda’s Involvement
The editorial specifically highlighted Barbra Banda, an Orlando Pride player who also competes for the Zambian national team. Banda’s career achievements include scoring 25 goals in her first season with the NWSL and winning multiple accolades such as the FIFPRO World 11 award.
Despite being a cisgender woman, Banda faced significant backlash over her gender due to testosterone levels. The Zambian Football Association criticized the league’s testing standards at the time of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in 2022.
Defending Eddy
In response to the criticism, Sage Steele from ESPN defended Eddy on X (now known as Twitter), stating that the co-captains were “demonizing” a teammate who simply wanted to protect her sport. Eddy herself maintained in a statement to NBC News that she loves her teammates and supports their right to express their views.
Eddy acknowledged hearing from other players who agree with her points but feel too afraid to speak up publicly. She emphasized the importance of maintaining “its identity and momentum” within the NWSL, arguing that reasonable people can disagree on where to draw lines regarding eligibility standards.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Eddy’s editorial underscores ongoing debates within professional sports leagues about inclusivity and fairness. While Angel City FC stands firm in its commitment to equity and inclusion, the broader conversation highlights the complex issues facing transgender athletes and their participation in team sports.
