Overview

• Cerys Vaughan, an 18-year-old footballer, was originally banned for six matches in 2024 after asking a transgender opponent 'Are you a man?' during a friendly match in Lancashire.
• An FA appeal board overturned the original ruling in February 2025, citing procedural unfairness, and ordered a new process to begin.
• The case was closed in May 2025 after the complainant withdrew for personal reasons, with the FA confirming no further action would be taken and clearing Vaughan's record.
• Vaughan has publicly demanded an apology from the FA, stating the disciplinary process caused significant stress and disruption to her life.
• The FA's decision follows broader policy changes announced in May 2025, banning transgender women from women’s football after a UK Supreme Court ruling redefined 'woman' as biological sex under the Equality Act.