Transgender women footballers barred from playing in women’s game in UK

Effective June 1, 2025, the Football Association (FA) in England will ban transgender women from participating in women’s football at all levels. This policy change follows an April 16 UK Supreme Court ruling that legally defines “woman” as a biological female under equality laws. Previously, the FA allowed transgender women to compete if they maintained reduced testosterone levels for at least one year. The new regulation mandates that transgender women must now play in men’s football. This decision impacts approximately 20 registered transgender women in amateur leagues. The FA cited legal compliance and changes in law as reasons for the revision, emphasizing a commitment to inclusion within the law and international guidelines. The policy shift has drawn mixed reactions, with trans rights advocates expressing concern and the UK government welcoming the legal clarity.