The decision follows an April 16 ruling by the UK Supreme Court which held that, under equalities law, a woman is defined by biological sex.
The Football Association of England has announced a ban on transgender women from participating in women’s football, effective June 1, 2025.
The decision follows an April 16 ruling by the UK Supreme Court which held that, under equalities law, a woman is defined by biological sex.
In a statement issued Thursday, the FA explained that the policy change aligns with the legal ruling and aims to ensure fairness. “Transgender women will no longer be able to play in women’s football in England, and this policy will be implemented from June 1, 2025.”
The FA added that the existing inclusive policy had been based on legal advice and could be reviewed upon significant legal or scientific changes. “We understand that this will be difficult for people who simply want to play the game they love in the gender with which they identify.”
This move mirrors a recent decision by the Scottish FA, which also now restricts women’s football to biological females aged 13 and above.