Contestant in cup final band (6)

I believe the answer is:

player

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'contestant' is the definition.
(I know that player is a type of athlete)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for player that I've seen before include "Actor - footballer?" , "Participant in sport or game" , "Actor - musician" , "Actor; sportsman" , "Contestant" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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