Zambia’s Barbra Banda was subjected to fan abuse during Sunday’s National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) match between Orlando Pride and NJ/NY Gotham.
The NWSL issued a statement confirming it is investigating “hateful language” directed at Banda during Orlando Pride’s 2-0 victory over Gotham.
“This behavior is unacceptable and has no place in our league or in our stadiums,” said Gotham FC, Orlando Pride, and the NWSL in a joint statement.
Neither the clubs nor the league revealed the specifics of the language used.
Gotham FC stated that “stadium security swiftly responded” to a reported incident during Sunday’s game at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, the team’s home venue. An individual was “directly addressed,” and security continued to “monitor the situation for the remainder of the match.”
The NWSL and Gotham FC have announced they are working together to take further action as necessary under the league’s Fan Code of Conduct.
Footage of the abuse under review
Gotham has footage of the alleged incident, which is under review. The club’s representatives have also reached out to the fan who reported the incident, as confirmed by a club spokesperson to ESPN.
“We are committed to ensuring that our venues are safe and respectful environments for all—especially for the athletes who represent the very best of our sport,” the NWSL stated.
“Barbra Banda is both an exceptional player and person, and the NWSL is immensely proud to support her as a member of our league.”
Banda has previously faced online abuse, including attacks in November following her game-winning goal in the 2024 NWSL Championship and her recognition as BBC World Footballer of the Year. The abuse intensified when public figures with large followings, such as author J.K. Rowling, falsely claimed Banda was a biological male.
The online harassment largely stemmed from a 2022 incident in which Banda was unexpectedly ruled out of that year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which also served as World Cup qualifying. The situation sparked confusion, with CAF and FAZ blaming each other.
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