Trans women can continue to compete in women’s football, the FA has announced

The Football Association (FA) has announced that trans women can continue to compete in women’s football in England provided they meet “stricter eligibility criteria”, including meeting reduced testosterone levels and “match observation” to evaluate if the player “presents a risk”.

The FA, which believes there are only 20 trans women registered to play amateur football in England, says a new formal process will give the governing body “ultimate discretion” over eligibility and it will be managed on a “case-by-case basis”.

They must provide proof that they have been below the limit for at least 12 months, as well as a medical record of hormone therapy and an annual review of treatment.

However, a new formal process – which will involve a match observation by an FA official – will give the body the ability to remove or refuse a player’s permission to play in the women’s game.

In December 2023, a group of 48 MPs signed a letter urging the FA to change its rules on

In March, FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said the governing body was looking to “refine” its trans policy but its current rules were “in the right place”.

Sports such as rugby union, rugby league and hockey restrict women’s competition to players that have not gone through male puberty.