SWEDEN’S women’s players were instructed to show their genitalia to medical staff at the 2011 World Cup to show that they were female.
The shocking details were revealed by central defender Nilla Fischer, in her book, ‘I Didn’t Even Say Half Of It’.
The former Sweden ace, 38, who has 194 international caps, explains examinations were done by a female physiotherapist on behalf of a doctor.
She revealed the gender checks had come about after Fifa demanded national federations to determine whether their players were female.
The tests, which Fischer described as “sick” and “humiliating” occurred following allegations involving the Equatorial Guinea squad.
The accusations followed complaints from Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa.
In her book Fischer, who retired last December, wrote: “We were told that we should not shave ‘down there’ in the coming days and that we will show our genitalia for the doctor.
“(At the time we thought) why are we forced to do this now, there has to be other ways to do this. Should we refuse?’
“At the same time no one wants to jeopardise the opportunity to play at a World Cup.
“We just have to get the sh** done, no matter how sick and humiliating it feels.”
Fischer, who played for six clubs including Wolfsburg, during her 24-year senior career, appeared for Sweden in four World Cups.
The former centre-back helped her team reach the semis of the 2011 tournament in Germany where they were beaten by eventual contest winners Japan.
In an interview with Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet, Fischer described the gender testing she and her team-mates experienced at the tournament as extremely odd.
She told Aftonbladet: “I understand what I have to do and quickly pull down my training pants and underwear at the same time.
“The physio nods and says ‘yup’ and then looks out at the doctor who is standing with his back to my doorway.
“He makes a note and moves on in the corridor to knock on the next door.
“When everyone on our team is checked, that is to say, has exposed their vagina, our team doctor can sign that the Swedish women’s national football team consists only of women.
“It’s an extremely strange situation and overall not a comfortable way to do it.”
Fischer retired from playing from her national side three months before hanging up her boots in December last year.
In response to the ex-Sweden player’s revelations, Fifa said they have “taken note of recent comments”.
A fortnight before the start of the 2011 World Cup which was held in Germany, the global football body published its current gender verification regulations.
It states “participating member associations shall ensure that all players are eligible for selection in accordance with Fifa statutes.”
