Transgender women will no longer be permitted to play in women’s football leagues in England, following a policy change announced by the Football Association (FA).
The new rule, which takes effect from June 1, comes in response to an April Supreme Court ruling that defined the legal classification of a woman based on biological sex.
Until now, transgender women could apply to play in women’s competitions by submitting a form and meeting specific eligibility criteria set by the FA. However, with the recent legal clarification, the FA has opted to revise its stance, calling the issue a “complex subject.”
In a statement, the FA emphasized its commitment to inclusivity while adhering to legal and international guidelines:
“As the governing body of the national sport, our role is to make football accessible to as many people as possible, operating within the law and international football policy defined by UEFA and FIFA,” the statement read.
“Our current policy, which allows transgender women to participate in the women’s game, was based on this principle and supported by expert legal advice.”
The FA also noted that it is actively engaging with registered transgender women to explore ways they can remain involved in football in other capacities.
The decision has sparked significant debate, with critics and supporters alike weighing in on the balance between inclusivity and fairness in competitive sport.
