The former England footballer had been fiercely critical of the Government's funding of sport, and many within sports administration view the decision to honour Sanderson for her contribution but ignore Brooking again as a deliberate snub.
Sir Rodney Walker, formerly chairman of both Sport England and UK Sport, said: "I don't believe it's up to me to comment about Tessa's award but I do hope that Trevor's contribution to sport in so many ways will eventually be properly recognised."
Another leading sports administrator added: "No one is saying that Tessa Sanderson does not deserve the award but it is clear that Trevor Brooking has been punished for speaking out."
Sanderson, the former Olympic javelin gold medallist, said: "I'm really, really, ecstatic.
"It reflects upon everybody, especially the kids who we are getting more involved in sport through their schools, the obesity campaign we will be running, the ethnic community and everyone at Sport England."
England's triumphant World Cup winning squad were today speaking of their delight at their universal recognition in the Honours List.
Coach Clive Woodward was given a knighthood and all 31 players used Down Under were honoured by the awards committee.
Jonny Wilkinson and Jason Leonard received OBEs and Martin Johnson landed a CBE, while the other players were given MBEs
Johnson said: 'This is a great honour for me personally but I am delighted that the squad and coaches have been honoured. The World Cup success was a huge team effort."
Wilkinson added: "I am thrilled with the award of an OBE. It has been a great year for English rugby. It was a great triumph for the whole squad and a management team."
In other sports, Britain's top tennis player Tim Henman, Celtic manager Martin O'Neill and Gloucestershire skipper Mark Alleyne also picked up gongs.
Henman's award of an OBE had been widely expected following a leak of Government documents and the tennis star, who won the Paris Masters series in October, said: "I was pretty disappointed with the way the story came out but I will go to receive the honour with a massive amount of pride. I am extremely honoured."
O'Neill was rewarded with an OBE and Alleyne an MBE.
Swimmers James Gibson and Katy Sexton both received MBEs for their success at the world championships in Barcelona during the summer.
