Transgender women will be banned from playing for the UK women's soccer team starting June 1st.
In a statement, the Football Association, known as the FA, said the Supreme Court changed its policy as a result of the ruling that the UK's Equality Act was based on “biological gender” and that trans women did not fall under the legal definition of women.
The FA is the latest institution to update policies as a result of the ruling, and all public and private institutions in the UK must incorporate them into internal practices regarding unity services and spaces.
The association said the Supreme Court's decision required that it be changed. This stated, “trans women will no longer be able to play British women's soccer.” The ban covers grassroots soccer and local leagues managed by the FA, as well as professional games.
“We understand that this is difficult for people who want to play games they love with the gender they identify, and we are reaching out to registered trans women who are currently playing to explain how they can explain the change and how they will remain involved in the game,” the association added.
Other sports organizations are in the process of developing policies stemming from the Supreme Court decision. The Scottish Football Association also announced from the beginning of the 2025-26 season that “only competitive girls and biological women in women's soccer will be allowed.”
