From 1 June, only individuals born female will be allowed to play in women’s football in England. The Football Association (FA) announced the change after the UK Supreme Court ruled that the term “woman” must be defined by biological sex in law. The FA said it had reviewed its policies and made this update in response to the legal shift. The move affects players at all levels, from grassroots to elite competitions, and marks a major turning point in UK sport.
Supreme Court Decision Triggers Policy Shift
On 15 April, the UK Supreme Court delivered a landmark decision, stating that the legal definition of “woman” must reflect biological sex. In response, the FA updated its rules. Only people assigned female at birth will now be eligible for the women’s category.
“This issue is complex,” the FA stated. “We committed to reviewing our policy if science, law, or operations changed — and they have.”
The policy change applies across all of England and is expected to influence other sporting bodies as well.
Impact on Transgender Players
The FA expressed regret about the impact of its decision. Fewer than 30 transgender women currently play in amateur football across England. None are registered in top-tier teams in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland.
“We know this news is difficult for those who identify as women and want to play football. We are contacting them directly to offer support and suggest other ways to stay involved in the sport,” said an FA spokesperson.
More Sports Bodies Follow the FA’s Lead
The move by the FA comes as other UK sports organizations adopt similar rules. The Scottish football association plans to implement a matching ban. Netball England has also confirmed that, from 1 September, transgender women will not be able to play in the women’s division. The sport will now have three categories: female (for those born female), male, and mixed (open to all identities).
Cricket authorities in England and Wales are finalizing an identical policy. Their governing body is expected to approve it in an upcoming board meeting. Domestic cricket already restricts players who went through male puberty from participating in elite-level women’s matches.
What Was the Old Policy?
Before this change, the FA allowed transgender women to play if they had taken testosterone-suppressing treatments for at least 12 months. They also had to show medical records and undergo yearly evaluations. Final approval was left to FA officials.
Support and Criticism
The decision has received mixed reactions. Fiona McAnena from Sex Matters called the update long overdue. Former Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies praised the move on social media, saying it protects fairness in the women’s game.
A spokesperson for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said that while individual sports bodies must set their own rules, the government backs the use of biological definitions in sports participation.
But not everyone agrees. Natalie Washington, from Football vs Transphobia, said, “Most transgender players now feel they have no place in football. They don’t feel safe or accepted in men’s teams either.”
Pride Sports, a group that promotes LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport, said there’s no clear evidence that transgender women create safety risks on the pitch. “This is about assumptions, not facts,” they stated.
Broader Trend Across Sports
The FA is now the largest UK sports body to revise its rules based on the Supreme Court’s judgment. Other sports are quickly following. The Ultimate Pool Group, which oversees eight-ball pool, also introduced a ban. Officials from snooker are reviewing their policies too.
In earlier years, sports such as athletics, rugby, swimming, cycling, and British Triathlon set similar rules. British Triathlon, in particular, was the first UK body to introduce an “open” category to ensure competition remains inclusive.
Legal and Ethical Tensions
The FA said it made the change after receiving legal advice warning of possible lawsuits from female-born players. Critics had earlier said the FA’s rules were unclear and could pose risks to fairness and safety.
Still, the speed of the policy reversal—coming just weeks after an earlier update—has raised eyebrows. In April, the FA had introduced stricter requirements but still allowed participation under certain medical conditions.
Lord David Triesman, a former FA chairman, said the decision was the right one: “Ignoring the Supreme Court would have been reckless.”
The FA says its aim is still to grow the sport for everyone. But many feel the new rule will lead to exclusion rather than inclusion.
“Football brings people together,” said one statement from anti-discrimination groups. “We must not lose that spirit in pursuit of rules based on fear.”