Starting 1 June, transgender women will no longer be allowed to play in women’s football in England. This decision follows a new rule announced by the Football Association (FA). The rule change comes after the UK Supreme Court ruled that the word “woman” must refer to biological sex under the law. In response, the FA said only players assigned female at birth can take part in women’s football.
FA Says Legal Change Forced Its Hand
The FA had updated its inclusion policy on 11 April. This version asked transgender women to meet strict medical rules to stay in the women’s category. But after the court ruling on 15 April, the FA dropped that policy. Now, the women’s category is open only to those born female.
In a statement, the FA said it has always aimed to be fair and would adjust its rules if the law, science, or safety concerns changed. The group admitted this change would affect people. FA staff have started contacting the 28 registered transgender women players to help them understand their options and remain involved in football.
Few Trans Players Affected, But Policy Sets a Tone
Before the rule change, fewer than 30 transgender women had joined women’s football at any level in England. None of them played professionally in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland. The Scottish FA is expected to adopt a similar rule soon.
Wider Trend in UK Sports
Football is not alone in changing rules. England Netball announced new rules in April. Starting 1 September, only those born female can play in the women’s category. Mixed teams will still be open to everyone. Cricket may also change its rules. The England and Wales Cricket Board is reviewing its policy and plans to update it after a board meeting.
Other sports like swimming, cycling, snooker, and triathlon have taken steps as well. In 2022, British Triathlon introduced an open category. In April, eight-ball pool banned transgender women from playing in women’s events.
Old FA Policy Required Strict Medical Proof
The FA’s old policy had strong checks. Transgender women had to show proof of testosterone suppression for at least one year. They also had to provide hormone treatment records and undergo yearly checks. An FA official observed players during games, and the FA made final decisions based on each case.
Supporters Say Change Was Needed
Some groups welcomed the FA’s new rule. Campaigners at Sex Matters called the earlier policy confusing and unfair. Former swimmer and Olympian Sharron Davies praised the change, saying it helped protect safety and fairness in sport. The Women’s Rights Network also backed the rule but said it took too long to make.
A spokesperson for the Prime Minister said sports rules should reflect biology and be safe for all. Government leaders have promised to keep backing rules that aim to keep women’s sport fair and safe.
Opposition Calls Change Unfair and Harmful
Not everyone supports the new rule. Natalie Washington, a lead voice at Football vs Transphobia, said many transgender women feel unsafe in men’s teams and will now be pushed out of football entirely. She said the FA’s move harms people already facing big challenges.
Pride Sports, a group that supports LGBTQ+ athletes, said there is no proof that transgender women make football less safe. They believe the decision was driven more by fear and politics than by facts.
Voices from Football and Beyond
Lord David Triesman, a past FA chair, spoke out against the FA’s past approach. He said those who made the earlier rules should be held responsible. Kick It Out, an inclusion group, asked people to support transgender players. They warned about rising hate in football spaces and said the sport should bring joy, not harm.
Legal Pressure Seen as Main Factor
The FA denies that political pressure led to the change. Leaders said the Supreme Court ruling left them open to lawsuits by women players. This made it hard to defend the old policy. Some see the new rule as unfair. Others say the FA just followed the law.
Sports groups across the UK are watching this closely. Many will likely change their own rules to match. The FA said it will keep working to make football open for all. But the debate between fairness and inclusion continues.