The Albanian Volleyball Federation's decision to suspend 32-year-old Brazilian athlete Nayara Ferreira, based on gender suspicions from a rival team, is being criticized as an attack driven by prejudice and homophobia.
The suspension of Brazilian Dinamo volleyball player Nayara Ferreira, over doubts about her gender identity based on complaints from rival teams, has raised serious concerns about discrimination, while putting the Albanian Volleyball Federation, FSHV, under fire.
Ferreira was suspended by the Albanian Football Association (AFHV) a few weeks ago and was asked to undergo a gender test. The procedure was initiated after a complaint from rival club Pogradec, which was later joined by Tirana. The athlete has already missed two matches.
When the case became public on October 25, the FSHV reacted by accepting the suspension, but insisted that it was acting with discretion and in respect of human dignity. “The FSHV is acting with caution and discretion, respecting the principles of fair play, equality in the game and human dignity,” the reaction said.
But the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination, Robert Gajda, says that the entire case was based on prejudice and that the decision to suspend was likely prejudicial.
"There are some problems at first glance. The situation started entirely on the basis of prejudice and a measure on suspension was taken entirely on the basis of prejudice," said Gajda.
Gajda told BIRN that they were looking at the possibility of a largely random investigation, but that would take time.
The Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination sees the case of the Dinamo volleyball player as inspired by a misinformation campaign and homophobic narratives that have accompanied discussions in recent weeks on the draft law on "Gender Equality" in Albania.
"Don't forget the fact that the player is internationally federated, has long experience in many clubs around the world, and is legally female," he said, emphasizing that this fact makes the procedure initiated by the federation "completely prejudiced and homophobic."
Even Dinamo's coach, Orlando Koja, calls the decision-making baseless and unreasonable.
"I don't know with what logic the Federation accepted the request. There is no reason and no doubt. She has been playing as a professional volleyball player for 15 years. She has played in several leagues in Europe that are much better than our championship, there is no reason to doubt her," said Koja.
The Dinamo coach considers this a dangerous precedent that will result in the departure of foreign volleyball players from Albania.
"It has shocked her a lot. She is waiting for the test results and after it she says she will leave Albania," said the coach, adding that "his team has been damaged by the case."
Human rights activists and those against gender discrimination also raised their voices, calling the case shameful.
"For two weeks, Nayara has been under attack by several opposing teams, including Pogradec and Tirana, who have made base accusations about her gender identity, accusations that stem from jealousy over her skills and performance," Xheni Karaj wrote on Facebook, while demanding administrative measures be taken against the abusers.
"This decision is shameful, discriminatory and inhumane. It is not based on regulations, but on rumors and prejudice," she said.
While Neli Demi, a psychiatrist and psychotherapist, described this as an attempt to control women's bodies, disguised as competition rules.
“When a strong, confident, and successful woman on the field challenges stereotypes, society often demands ‘proof’ that she is who she says she is. This is a modern form of body control, disguised as concern for the fairness of the competition,” said Neli.
Nayara Ferreira herself stated in an interview for Top-Channel that what had happened to her in Albania had shocked her greatly. “I am 100% female… What you have done is discrimination. This is inhumane and unacceptable,” she said. In another message, she added: “People will regret this injustice they have done to me.
After public reactions, the Albanian Football Association reacted again on Tuesday, denying discrimination and warning of retaliation against critics.
“I express my concern about the use of this case, which is entirely sporting, as a pretext for violating the rights of individuals or certain communities,” the statement said. The FSHV further announced that the Board of Directors “has referred to the Disciplinary Committee the cases of public insults and intimidation made by some exponents and leaders of the Dinamo Volley association, in the media and social networks.”/BIRN/
