FA requires trans men to say they are ‘biologically female’ to play football

The Football Association (FA) has updated its policy for trans players in men’s games, requiring trans men to say they are “biologically female”.

Earlier this year, the football governing body announced an outright ban on trans women footballers in the women’s game, following the 16 April UK Supreme Court ruling on the legal definition of a woman. 

The rule took effect on the first day of Pride Month this year. However, trans men have remained able to play in the men’s game.

The FA’s updated requirements now make it compulsory for trans men players to agree they are “biologically female” and “have a greater risk of injury when playing against adult biological males”.

Since June, trans men have been required to fill out a statement, declaring their gender identity and agreeing that they are more liable to injuries than cisgender players. The form must be completed by all trans men who wish to participate in FA competitions for the 2025-2026 season. 

The player declaration within the form states, as per the BBC: “I am a biological female whose gender identity is male or non-binary who would like to compete in open age matches and competitions that are reserved for men.”

It adds that players must agree that “there are physiological and performance differences between adult biological females and adult biological males”.

“As a result, adult biological females have a greater risk of injury when playing against adult biological males than when playing against adult biological females; and my treatment will not fully alleviate those differences and consequential increased safety risks.”

The FA also requires trans men’s testosterone levels to be “in the normal adult male range” of 7.7 to 29.4 nanomoles per litre of blood. 

Furthermore, its “Policy on the Participation of Transgender and Non-Binary People in Football” requires that trans men must sign the statement and undergo an “appropriate consultation and examination” by a qualified medical practitioner to play in their affirmed gender category. 

“Only biological females (i.e. those born with ovaries) may play in open age matches and competitions that are reserved for women,” it reads, adding that the FA will “”keep the policy under review in light of any relevant legal, scientific, or other developments”.

The organisation previously required trans players to register so that they could play the game in their affirmed gender category, but the form had alternative language.

It asked players to “acknowledge and accept the possible increased injury risk associated with female-to-male transgender individuals”, and that they would be playing alongside those who “are statistically likely to be stronger, faster and heavier”.

The FA told the BBC: “We published our updated transgender policy last month to help ensure both the FA and our local County FA network would be able to operate within this new legal framework following the Supreme Court ruling in April 2025.

“We remain committed to supporting transgender players who meet the requirements of our new policy so they can continue to play football.”

If this story has affected you, call Mindline Trans+ on Fridays 8 pm-11 pm on 0300 330 5468. For emotional support, Mindline is available 24/7 on 01823 276 892.

Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.