The Football Association (FA) has confirmed that transgender women will not be allowed to compete in women’s football across England starting from 1 June 2025.
The move follows a recent ruling by the UK Supreme Court, which clarified that the legal definition of a woman refers specifically to biological sex. In response, the FA has decided to update its eligibility rules, meaning only those born biologically female will be able to play in the women’s game.
Previously, the FA had amended its policies on 11 April to introduce stricter conditions for transgender women participating in women’s football, but the Supreme Court decision prompted a more definitive change.
In a statement, the FA said,
“As the governing body of the national sport, our role is to make football accessible to as many people as possible, operating within the law and international football policy defined by UEFA and FIFA.
“Our current policy, which allows transgender women to participate in the women’s game, was based on this principle and supported by expert legal advice.
“This is a complex subject, and our position has always been that if there was a material change in law, science, or the operation of the policy in grassroots football then we would review it and change it if necessary.
“The Supreme Court’s ruling on the 16 April means that we will be changing our policy. Transgender women will no longer be able to play in women’s football in England, and this policy will be implemented from 1 June 2025.
“We understand that this will be difficult for people who simply want to play the game they love in the gender by which they identify, and we are contacting the registered transgender women currently playing to explain the changes and how they can continue to stay involved in the game.”
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