The Football Association (FA) has announced a significant policy change, effective June 1, 2025, prohibiting transgender women from participating in women’s football in England. This decision follows a recent UK Supreme Court ruling on April 15th and 16th, which legally defines a woman based on biological sex. The FA had previously updated its transgender policy on April 11, setting strict eligibility conditions, including maintaining low testosterone levels and undergoing FA-led match observations, but the Supreme Court’s ruling prompted a complete policy reversal.

The FA explained that the decision was driven by a material change in law, necessitating a review and alteration of its policy. While the ruling will affect fewer than 30 registered transgender women in grassroots football, with no known transgender women currently playing professionally, the FA has begun contacting those affected to explore ways they can remain involved in the sport.

The Scottish FA is reportedly planning a similar ban, and other sporting bodies, such as the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and England Netball, are also considering or have implemented similar measures. The ECB is considering an outright ban on transgender women from women’s cricket, and England Netball has introduced new guidelines barring transgender women from the female category starting in September.

Reactions to the FA's decision have been sharply divided. Supporters argue that the policy shift restores fairness and safety to women’s sport. Human rights group Sex Matters hailed the ruling, and former Olympian Sharron Davies voiced her support on X. The Women’s Rights Network also praised the FA’s decision, while former FA chairman Lord David Triesman criticized the previous policy.

Conversely, advocates for transgender rights have expressed deep concern. Natalie Washington of Football vs Transphobia warned that the ban would drive transgender women out of the sport. Kick It Out cautioned that the change could have “far-reaching consequences,” noting a rise in transphobic abuse. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s spokesperson stated that “biology matters in women’s sport,” while noting that the responsibility lies with individual sporting bodies.

The FA maintains that its revised approach is a legal necessity and that it remains committed to inclusion while acknowledging the difficulty of balancing competing rights. The FA feared potential legal claims from biologically female players under the previous policy. Other organizations, including Ultimate Pool Group and British Triathlon, have already implemented gender-based categories, and more are expected to follow.

UEFA is also reviewing potential rule changes, including the possibility of removing extra time in the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League, following complaints. The FA aims to make football accessible to everyone while complying with the law and international policies set by UEFA and FIFA, acknowledging the difficulty for those who simply want to play the game they love in the gender by which they identify.