The UK Supreme Court decision in April 2025 which confirmed that, under the Equality Act, the term ‘woman’ refers exclusively to individuals assigned female at birth, has sent shockwaves through the transgender community.

Where can transgender athletes now go to compete, given that they represent only 0.1% of the UK population? They have as much right to access sports facilities and compete as the rest of society.

The UK government welcomed the ruling for bringing “clarity and confidence” for women and service providers, including those who run sports clubs, according to a government spokesperson. 

Major sports governing bodies, including the Football Association (FA) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), have revised their policies that raise serious debates about equality and inclusion, in sport and beyond.

Governing bodies including World Athletics, British Cycling and swimming’s FINA had already updated eligibility policies, banning transgender women from taking part in women’s events.

Three years ago, British Triathlon became the first British sporting body to establish an open category in which transgender athletes could compete, while British Rowing has banned transgender women from women’s category events, as have the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and UK Athletics..

But following the Supreme Court ruling, the FA announced that from the start of June 2025, transgender women will no longer be permitted to participate in women's football at any level in England.

Previously, the FA allowed transgender women to compete in women's leagues, provided they met specific medical criteria, such as maintaining testosterone levels below 5.0 nmol/L for at least 12 months.

The FA stated that this policy change aligns with the new legal framework and international football policies defined by UEFA and FIFA

A day later, the ECB updated its regulations, stating that only individuals whose biological sex is female are eligible to play in women's and girls' cricket matches.

Transgender women and girls will be permitted to participate in open and mixed cricket formats only.

The ECB has emphasised its commitment to inclusivity and pledged to work with recreational cricket boards to support those affected by the change.  

Former Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies, an outspoken critic of transgender athletes in sport, said: “I'm overjoyed that women are getting their sport back at last…the science is still the same. Males kick 50% harder than females, they're taller, they have bigger hands and feet, and they're more dynamic, particularly in goal.

"I've had heart-broken parents talking about their children, their young girls who are self-harming because they've had a season-ending injury.

"A lot of people are owed an apology. It affects half the population who are actually female. It affects all young girls and all women who play football, particularly at grassroots and pathways and junior competition, so this was just about the integrity of sport and as a biological female you are entitled to that integrity just the same as a biological male. Everyone deserves to do sport and the FA must find a way to be inclusive for everybody."

Given the small numbers of transgender athletes – especially at elite level – how do  sports governing bodies think there is scope to have their own separate category?

When transgender weightlifter Laurel Hubbard competed at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021, there were expectations that she would dominate, but the fact that she came last in her group – although age may have been a factor in her performance.

Natalie Washington, the lead organiser of the Football v Transphobia campaign, told The Athletic that the latest UK Supreme Court judgements were concerning: “The initial reaction to the judgement from most commentators was ‘that’s that, then’ for trans women and sport, and that was what the anti-trans groups were briefing.

“The court made no effort to define biological sex, and that is a problem. For example, it appears to say that it is legal to exclude a trans man from men’s sport on account of his biology, but it is also legal to exclude them from women’s sport as they have masculinised their appearance.

“From an equality point of view, it does not seem right that someone can be excluded from both men’s and women’s sport. And this is the central principle of the Gender Recognition Act 2004, which came about because the British government lost a legal challenge at the European Court of Human Rights. It is a breach of human rights to leave people between genders. So I would expect the treatment of trans men to end up in the courts.

“The failure to define biological sex is also problematic when you think of intersex women. Intersex people make up less than three per cent of the UK population but that is a significant number of people who could end up excluded from sport. And when you think about athletics, could this hinder our chances of staging international events?”

According to a Kick It Out report from last year, there were 22 reported instances of abuse towards players based on gender reassignment in the 2023-24 season across the professional and grassroots game. Though a relatively small number, that is double the instances reported in the season before.

Shane Diamond (he/him), GLAAD's director of communications and transgender advocacy, said to Newsweek: "Sport is a human right and should remain open and accessible to anyone who wants to participate, inclusive of their gender identity. League policies should continue to be created by professionals in sport, medicine, and human rights, not anti-LGBTQ politicians.

“Transgender people have been participating in sports – including football – at all levels for years, following specific protocols to promote safety and fairness. Football is a globally-loved sport and should continue to welcome everyone to the pitch who wants to play, including transgender women and girls."

Former Arsenal and Chelsea centre-back Anita Asante said on an Instagram post:: “The Trans community… continue to face so many challenges just to exist, let alone thrive. Your courage and resilience inspire me every day. This is for you.

“To everyone else – now is not the time to be silent. I call on my fellow sports professionals to speak up in support of a community who are facing daily battles just to be their authentic selves.”

The recent policy shifts by the FA and ECB, influenced by the Supreme Court's ruling, have reignited discussions about inclusivity in sports. While these decisions aim to align with legal definitions and ensure fairness, it's crucial to consider the perspectives and rights of transgender athletes.

As the sports community continues to navigate these complex issues, ongoing dialogue and inclusive practices remain essential to fostering an environment where all athletes can thrive.​

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