The Football Associations of England and Scotland announced a ban on transgender women participating in women’s football at all competitive levels, effective May 1, 2025, citing fairness and safety concerns.
The policy, adopted after a two-year review, restricts women’s teams to players born female or those assigned female at birth, impacting approximately 50 transgender players across both nations. Transgender women can compete in men’s or mixed non-competitive leagues, with clubs required to comply by the 2025-26 season. The decision aligns with similar bans in rugby and athletics, reflecting a broader trend in UK sports.
The review, involving medical experts and player consultations, concluded that testosterone-related physical advantages, even after hormone therapy, posed risks in contact-heavy sports like football. England’s FA, governing 1.8 million female players, emphasized protecting the women’s game, which has grown 20% in participation since 2020. Scotland’s FA, overseeing 150,000 female players, cited consistency with UEFA guidelines, which defer to national policies. The ban applies to professional, semi-professional, and grassroots leagues, with exemptions for under-12 recreational play. Clubs face fines or expulsion for non-compliance.
Critics argue the policy discriminates against transgender women, noting that 70% of UK adults support inclusive sports policies, per a 2024 YouGov poll. Advocacy groups plan legal challenges, citing the 2010 Equality Act, though prior court rulings upheld sports-specific exemptions.
The ban follows a 2023 FIFA review, which found no conclusive evidence on transgender inclusion’s impact, prompting national discretion. England and Scotland, with 90% of UK women’s football, aim to standardize rules but face scrutiny over limited transgender player data, estimated at 0.1% of participants. The policy shifts focus to grassroots growth, with £10 million allocated to women’s football in 2025, amid debates over balancing inclusion and competitive integrity.