“Wolves in sheep’s clothing?” The startling revelation emerged as four players from the Iranian women’s football team were suspended from all competitions.
According to the British tabloid Mirror, as reported and relayed by fr.ria.ru, the four players failed a femininity test. Despite being regarded as some of the best on the team, they were discovered to be individuals undergoing sex change operations, yet to complete the process. They will only be eligible to participate in competitions after undergoing all necessary medical procedures.
“If these individuals manage to address their medical issues, they will be permitted to compete in women’s football competitions,” stated Ahmad Hashemian, head of the Iranian Football Federation’s medical commission.
Additionally, the Federation mandated Iranian professional clubs to subject their “prospective recruits” to femininity tests prior to any contract signings.
This narrative evokes memories of the Caster Semenya controversy, named after the renowned South African athlete whose remarkable performance raised questions about her sexual identity. Speculations were fueled by her physical attributes, considered masculine, such as a deep voice, prominent muscles, and a nearly flat chest. It took several months for Semenya’s femininity to be verified before she could resume her track career.
