Transgender Women Banned from Women's Football in England Starting June 1, 2025

Football chiefs in England have announced a ban on transgender women playing in women's matches at all levels, effective June 1, 2025. The decision comes after the Supreme Court's ruling on the legal definition of "woman." The England and Wales Cricket Board is expected to adopt a similar policy. The move is seen as a response to concerns about the impact of transgender participation on women's sports. Campaigners have welcomed the decision, saying it is long overdue.

Key Takeaways:

• The FA has announced a ban on transgender women playing in women's football in England, effective June 1, 2025.
• The policy change comes in response to the Supreme Court's ruling on the legal definition of "woman."
• The ECB is expected to adopt a similar policy at a meeting of its directors today.
• Currently, about 20 transgender women who are registered to play amateur football in England can continue to do so if their testosterone levels are below 5nmol per litre for at least 12 months.
• The ECB's present policy allows for self-identification at all recreational and amateur levels of cricket but is set to change following the Supreme Court judgment.
• Under the revised policy, all players who have undergone male puberty will be banned from playing in women's professional cricket, regardless of surgery or treatment undertaken.

Statistics:

• 20 transgender women who are registered to play amateur football in England can continue to do so if their testosterone levels are below 5nmol per litre for at least 12 months.
• 5nmol per litre is the threshold for testosterone levels for transgender women to continue playing in women's football.
• The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is expected to change its policy at a meeting of its directors today.

Sources:

• Martyn Ziegler, REF:
• The Guardian, REF:
• Fiona McAnena, director of campaigns at Sex Matters, REF: