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England sports governing body bans transgender athletes from women’s soccer following UK court ruling

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6h ago

The Football Association (FA) in England announced a policy banning transgender athletes from participating in women's soccer, effective from June 1, 2025, following a UK Supreme Court ruling. The ruling defined a woman as someone born biologically female, prompting a change in FA's approach, which previously allowed transgender women to compete if they met specific testosterone levels. This decision reflects the FA's commitment to align with legal and international football policies, despite acknowledging the complexity and potential difficulties it poses for transgender athletes. The FA plans to communicate with currently registered transgender players to discuss how they can remain involved in the sport. The UK Supreme Court emphasized that while transgender rights remain protected against discrimination, certain protections are exclusively for biological females.

England sports governing body bans transgender athletes from women’s soccer following UK court ruling

The Football Association (FA) in England has implemented a ban on transgender athletes competing in women's soccer, effective June 1, 2025, following a UK Supreme Court ruling that legally defines a woman as someone born biologically female.

Previously, the FA allowed transgender women to participate in women's soccer if they could demonstrate maintained testosterone levels below a specific threshold for at least 12 months, backed by medical records of hormone therapy.

The FA's decision comes in response to changes in legal definitions and aims to align with international football policies, considering the complexity of the issue and the need to operate within legal frameworks.

In light of the policy change, the FA acknowledges the challenges it poses for transgender athletes who wish to play in their identified gender and plans to communicate with registered transgender women to explore ways for continued involvement in the sport.

The UK Supreme Court's ruling maintains that while transgender individuals are protected from discrimination under UK law, certain protections are reserved for biological females, influencing the FA’s policy adjustment.

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