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4mo ago

FA and Scottish FA Ban Transgender Women from Women’s Football Effective 2025

The decision follows a UK Supreme Court ruling defining 'woman' by biological sex and impacts grassroots and professional players.

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Soccer Football - Women's FA Cup - Quarter Final - Arsenal v Liverpool - Meadow Park, Borehamwood, Britain - March 9, 2025 General view of the match ball with the Women's FA Cup logo during the match Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers/File Photo
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Campaigners take part in a rally organised by trans rights groups, trade unions, and community organisations following the Supreme Court ruling on the definition of a woman in equalities law, at Parliament Square, central London, Saturday April 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

Overview

  • The Football Association (FA) and Scottish Football Association (SFA) announced transgender women will be excluded from women’s football starting June 2025.
  • This policy change comes after the UK Supreme Court ruled on April 16, 2025, that 'woman' under the Equality Act refers to biological sex.
  • Approximately 20 registered transgender players in grassroots football will be affected, with the FA reaching out to explain the changes and explore continued involvement in the sport.
  • The FA’s prior policy allowed transgender women to play if testosterone levels were reduced, but it has now adopted a blanket ban citing legal compliance and fairness.
  • The ruling has prompted similar policy reviews across other sports, aligning with international standards set by FIFA and UEFA.