The Football Association of England has announced that transgender women will be banned from participating in women’s football starting June 1.

The decision follows a ruling by the UK Supreme Court on April 16, which held that, under equalities law, a woman is defined by biological sex. The association cited this as a key factor in updating its policy.

In a statement released by the English FA on Thursday, the association said it remains committed to making football accessible but must align with the current legal definitions and ensure fairness in the women’s game.

“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,” the statement reads.

it was further explained that the current policy, which had allowed transgender women to participate in the women’s game, was based on the principle of inclusion and supported by expert legal advice.

The FA disclosed that a review of its policy was inevitable in the event of any changes to relevant laws or regulations.

“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 April 16 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 June 1, 2025”.

According to the statement, the FA acknowledged that the decision may be difficult for those affected.

“We understand that this will be difficult for people who simply want to play the game they love in the gender with which they identify.

“We are reaching out to the registered transgender women currently playing to explain the changes and discuss how they can continue to remain involved in the game,” the FA said.

Recall that the Scottish FA board has decided that starting from next season, only biological females will be permitted to compete in girls’ and women’s football under its jurisdiction.

This decision follows the UK Supreme Court ruling that a female is defined by biological sex under equalities law. Only individuals assigned female at birth will be allowed to play in women’s football in Scotland for players aged 13, and above.

[Vanguard]