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FA and Scottish FA to Ban Trans Women from Women’s Football Starting June

The decision follows a UK Supreme Court ruling redefining 'woman' under the Equality Act as biological sex at birth, impacting 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 FA announced bans on transgender women from participating in women’s football, effective June 1, 2025, and the 2025–26 season, respectively.
  • This policy change follows the UK Supreme Court's April ruling that the legal definition of 'woman' under the Equality Act is based solely on biological sex at birth.
  • Approximately 20 registered transgender women players in England will be directly affected, with the FA reaching out to provide alternative involvement options.
  • The ban applies to all levels of women’s football, from grassroots to professional leagues, aligning with similar international trends in sports governance.
  • Some transgender athletes and advocacy groups have criticized the decision, with indications of potential legal challenges and defiance of the new rules.