In a significant development for English and Scottish soccer, transgender women will no longer be allowed to participate on women’s teams. This decision follows a recent ruling by the U.K. Supreme Court, which reinforced the definition of women in anti-discrimination contexts as individuals born biologically female. Both the Football Association (FA) in England and the Scottish Football Association have changed their policies, which previously permitted transgender athletes to join women’s teams if they maintained reduced testosterone levels.
This decision aligns with the Supreme Court’s decree from two weeks prior, which further highlighted that transgender women would face restrictions across various sectors, including public restrooms, hospital wards, and sports teams designed for women. The ruling has been met with mixed reactions; some feminist groups view it as a victory, while advocacy groups for transgender rights criticize it as a regressive step with far-reaching negative implications on many aspects of daily life.
The topic has stirred considerable debate not only in the U.K. but internationally. In the United States, former President Donald Trump implemented executive orders that barred transgender athletes from participating in sports based on their gender identity and pushed for a strict biological definition of sex in federal matters. These orders have been legally contested.
The FA had distinguished its policy as being inclusive, striving to open up the sport to the widest number of participants without compromising regulations. In light of recent legal and scientific developments, they found it necessary to revise their stance. “We understand these changes might be challenging for those who just wish to play the sport aligned with their gender identity,” explained the FA in a statement. Efforts are being made to communicate directly with the approximately 20 transgender women who have participated in the English grassroots soccer season to inform them about how they can continue to engage in soccer.
Many, like Natalie Washington from the group Football v Transphobia, express concern that this could spell the end of football for some individuals who do not feel safe competing in men’s categories. Conversely, Fiona McAnena from Sex Matters praised the FA, declaring such changes were delayed but necessary, citing evidence of harm to female athletes under previous policies allowing male-identifying individuals to compete against women.
Additionally, England Netball announced that while its rules were not directly influenced by the court ruling, it now designates its female category exclusively for individuals born female. The sport will instead feature three gender divisions: female, male, and mixed. The mixed category will provide an option for participation based on gender identity, offering a more inclusive approach to competition outside the strictly female bracket.