The Football Association (FA) has confirmed that transgender women will be banned from participating in women’s football in England starting June 1, 2025.
The decision follows a landmark Supreme Court ruling earlier this month that legally defined women based on biological sex.
Previously, the FA allowed transgender women to join women’s teams on a case-by-case basis, requiring players assigned male at birth to maintain testosterone levels below a specific threshold. However, in response to the legal ruling, the FA says it has no choice but to revise its policy.
“As the governing body of the national sport, we aim to make football accessible to as many people as possible,” the FA said in a statement. “This is a complex and evolving subject. In light of the Supreme Court’s ruling on April 16, we will be changing our policy.”
The updated policy means transgender women will no longer be eligible to compete in women’s football at any level across England. The FA emphasized that the change aligns with legal obligations and international football policies under UEFA and FIFA.
The governing body acknowledged the emotional toll of the decision, particularly for those who wish to play in line with their gender identity. Officials are reportedly reaching out directly to affected players to explain the policy shift and guide them on how to remain involved in the sport.
There are currently no transgender women playing in the professional women’s football leagues in either England or Scotland.
