FA bans transgenders from competing in women's football

FA bans transgenders from competing in women's football

Faruq Ibrahim 18:24 - 06.05.2025

The FA placed a ban on the participation of transgender women in women's football.

The English FA has announced a ban on transwomen’s participation in women's football, effectively repealing their previous policy that allowed men who have transitioned into women to compete with other women. 

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Supreme court judgement and FA’s rule change 

On April 15th, less than a month ago, the UK Supreme Court ruled that transgender women are no longer to be classified as women for single-sex services and spaces. 

The ruling adjudged that the term “woman” in the UK’s Equality Act only refers to biological women, and as such, biological men would no longer be permitted in women-only spaces, even after undergoing sex transition. 

The landmark ruling came only a month after the FA announced that it would continue to allow transgender women to compete in women's football, provided they have reduced their testosterone level to 5nmol/L for at least a year, according to the Guardian.

What the FA said 

Following the judgement from the Supreme Court, the FA announced a ban on transgender women’s participation in women's football at all levels, citing a material change in law. 

“This is a complex subject, and our position has always been that if there was a material change in law, science, or the operation of the policy in grassroots football, then we would review it and change it if necessary,” the FA said.

“The Supreme Court’s ruling on the 16 April means that we will be changing our policy. Transgender women will no longer be able to play in women’s football in England, and this policy will be implemented from 1 June 2025.”

The rule change is expected to affect up to 20 transgender women currently registered and playing in women's football. In its statement, the FA said that it would reach out to the individuals, explain the changes, and explain how they can continue to stay involved in the game. 

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