Tifanny Abreu, a transgender volleyball player from the Osasco team, faces a ban from participating in the Copa Brasil finals following a decision by local councilors in Londrina, the tournament's host city. This decision, presented by councilor Jéssica Ramos Moreno, passed with a majority vote and is based on a municipal law that prohibits athletes competing in contradiction to their biological sex at birth. Critics argue that this legislation is not only devoid of scientific backing but also infringes upon constitutional rights, predominantly affecting transgender athletes like Abreu.

The Brazilian Volleyball Confederation (CBV) is actively challenging this ruling by filing a petition with the Supreme Federal Court (STF), seeking to ensure Abreu's right to compete. The legal challenge highlights the tension between local governance and national legislation regarding the rights of transgender individuals in sports. Experts point out that the rejection of Abreu's participation could set a concerning precedent for discrimination against LGBTQIA+ athletes, adversely affecting their inclusion and representation in sports.

Abreu, aged 41, has garnered attention not only for her skills on the volleyball court but also for her role as a prominent figure advocating for transgender rights in Brazil. The outcome of this legal confrontation is anticipated to resonate far beyond the volleyball community, potentially influencing broader discussions and policies surrounding the inclusion of transgender athletes in competitive sports across the country.