FA Bans Transgender Women from Women's Football, Effective June 1

The English Football Association (FA) has announced that, effective June 1, 2025, transgender women will no longer be permitted to compete in women’s football in England. This policy change follows a recent UK Supreme Court ruling that defined the legal status of 'woman' based strictly on biological sex, prompting the FA to align its rules accordingly. Previously, the FA's policy allowed transgender women to participate, sometimes with conditions such as reduced testosterone levels, aiming for inclusivity while considering safety and fairness. The FA emphasized that its position is guided by changes in law, science, or policy, and that it operates within the frameworks set by UEFA and FIFA. The decision has been met with concern from trans supporters but welcomed by some government officials for providing legal clarity. The FA acknowledged the difficulty this change poses for affected players and stated it is reaching out to registered transgender women to discuss how they can remain involved in the sport.