Trans women cannot compete in women's football starting June 1, FA says

Fiona McAnena, director of the campaign for charitable sexual conduct for human rights, said the ruling was “overdue” and that previous policies were “absurd”.

Former Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies, who has been speaking out on trans women’s issues in women’s sports, said on X: “This is good news for the safety and fairness of all of us women and women in football. First, all sports should not be allowed. Now every sport has to follow suit.”

“We are glad that the FA finally saw the light. But getting here is not an uphill struggle,” the campaign group Women's Rights Network said.

Asked about Sir Keir Starmer's opinion on the ban on women's movements, his spokesman said the government “is clearly important in women's movements and everyone should abide by the law”.

He said the government will “continue to work to ensure that women and girls across the country can enjoy sports and we will continue to support our bodies to protect the integrity, safety and fairness of the game”.

He said sports institutions have a responsibility to set their own rules.

Natalie Washington, head of sports for football competitions and phobia, said trans women may now give up on football.

“The people I know are talking about this saying, 'OK, this is my football'.”

“Most people obviously don’t feel they can compete for men’s competitions for safety reasons, which is for comfort.”

Pride Sports, which hosts football and trans fear sports, said there is no “football-specific peer-reviewed research or evidence that existing policies pose security risks.”

Lord David Triesman, former chairman of the FA, said there should be “consequences for the highest FA officials” who decided to allow trans women to participate in women’s football before.

“The FA finally saw the meaning. It would be the greatest foolishness of ignoring the Supreme Court,” he said.

The Anti-Discrimination Group kicked it out and said: “It’s time to show solidarity with the trans community and remind yourself that football brings people together and is often a space for belonging, connecting and joy.

“The recent Supreme Court ruling and the FA’s decision to change its policies will have far-reaching consequences not only for the people we support, but also for our friends, family, teammates and the broader community.

“Transex abuse – in the stands and on the courts online – is real and upward.”