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The 32-year-old has been banned from competition since October after the Albanian Volleyball Federation (FSHV) demanded she undergo a gender test.
Accusations have been made by the Vllaznia and Pogradeci teams, who believe that Ferreira is male or using hormone therapy. However, neither side has provided evidence to support these claims.
“Appropriate analyzes will be carried out to verify the player’s natural physical abilities and determine her gender,” the federation said in a statement.
The management of Tirana “Dinamo” has called this decision absurd and insulting, defending their player as an experienced professional with a long career.
Ferreira admitted in an interview with “Deutsche Welle” that the situation led him to depression. “I think I’m going crazy. I think a lot about why this is happening to me and why they’re doing this to me. I’ve played in seven countries, including Saudi Arabia, and no one has ever requested or asked anything like this.”
She also stated that she is afraid to go out: “Every time I go out, I am afraid that something might happen.”
The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) has confirmed that it has contacted both Ferreira and the Albanian Volleyball Federation, but said that each country’s federation is responsible for national competitions.
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