Brazilian volleyball player Naiara Ferreira, who plays for the Albanian club KV Dinamo (Tirana), was suspended from participating in the championship due to doubts about her gender identity. The decision was made by the Albanian Volleyball Federation (FSHV) and provoked strong reactions in the country, according toBalkanInsight.

The 32-year-old athlete has already missed two matches after the federation suspended her following a complaint from the Pogradeci club, which KV Tirana later joined. The case became public on October 25 and immediately sparked heated debates about rights and discrimination in sports.

The Albanian Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination and Dinamo's coach, Orlando Koja, condemned the federation's decision, calling it a "violation of Ferreira's personal dignity and human rights."

"This deeply shook her. She is waiting for the test results and told me that she will leave Albania afterward. I don't understand the logic of this decision. Naiara is a professional with a 15-year career, having played in leagues such as the Brazilian, Spanish, Czech, and French. She has never been questioned before," stated coach Koja.

After the public storm of criticism, FSHV again issued a statement in which it denied discrimination and even attacked its critics:

"We express concern that this case - which is entirely sporting in nature - is being used as a pretext to violate the rights of individuals or communities."

The federation announced that it would refer the matter to the Disciplinary Committee due to "public insults and threats" made by representatives of the Dinamo club in the media and social networks.

Ferreira began her career in 2007, and the season with KV Dinamo was supposed to be her debut in Albania.

The case has parallels with other controversial decisions in sports. In September, Olympic boxing champion Imane Khelif was disqualified before the World Championship, and in volleyball, the International Federation (FIVB) annulled Vietnam's results at the U21 World Championship after gender tests on two female athletes. Bulgaria finished fourth in that championship.

photo: KV Dinamo/Facebook