Transgender women can't play women’s football in the UK after top court ruling

Transgender women will no longer be allowed to compete in women’s soccer in England after a policy change prompted by a UK Supreme Court ruling on the matter, the FA said on Thursday.

Britain's highest court ruled on April 16 that only biological and not trans women meet the definition of a woman under equality laws, a landmark decision greeted with concern by trans supporters but welcomed by the government as bringing clarity.

The FA’s policy had allowed transgender women to participate in the women’s game but this will change from June 1.

"The Supreme Court’s ruling on the 16th April means that we will be changing our policy," the soccer governing body said in a statement.

"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."

The FA said the policy allowing transgender women to play was rooted in making the sport accessible to as many people as possible, "supported by expert legal advice" and aligned with international rules set by UEFA and FIFA.

"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," it added.