FA's U-turn on transgender footballers slammed as 'devastating' Merseyside football groups have said it feels like a "devastating step backwards" Broadcaster India Willoughby with Rainbow Toffees Paul Hession (Image: India Willoughby ) Merseyside football groups have condemned the Football Association’s U-turn on its longstanding policy regarding trans inclusion in sport. The governing body announced that, from June, it will prohibit transgender woman footballers from participating in the women's game in England. This reversal follows legal counsel in light of a recent Supreme Court ruling that legally defines a woman by her biological sex alone. Until now, the FA had withstood pressure from activists and government officials, allowing trans women to play in women's teams on an individual basis. ‌ The stipulations required players to lower their testosterone levels, though the FA maintained the right to exclude anyone for safety or fairness reasons. In a statement, the FA said: ''This is a complex subject, and our position has always been that if there was a material change in law, science, or the operation of the policy in grassroots football, then we would review it and change it if necessary. ‌ ''The Supreme Court's ruling on 16 April means that we will be changing our policy. Transgender women will no longer be able to play in women's football in England, and this policy will be implemented from 1 June 2025. ''We understand that this will be difficult for people who simply want to play the game they love in the gender by which they identify, and we are contacting the registered transgender women currently playing to explain the changes and how they can continue to stay involved in the game." The FA said that out of the over 10 million individuals who participate in recreational or grassroots football in England, only 20 transgender players are registered. There are no trans women currently playing professionally. The policy was slightly modified a few weeks ago to introduce stricter eligibility rules, but these changes have now been overtaken. Article continues below Everton FC's LGBTQ+ supporters group Rainbow Toffees (Image: Paul Hession ) Following the news, Everton FC’s LGBTQ+ supporters group said they were “deeply disappointed and saddened” by the announcement. Speaking on behalf of the group, Paul Hession told the ECHO: “This decision stands in direct opposition to the values of inclusion, fairness, and equality that should be at the heart of the beautiful game. “Football is a space where everyone should feel welcome, respected, and free to be themselves. This blanket exclusion of trans women sends a harmful message, that some people do not belong. ‌ “We know the importance of representation, community, and belonging, especially for LGBTQ+ fans and players, and this ruling undermines years of progress made toward a more inclusive sport. Rainbow Toffees remains committed to fighting discrimination in all its forms and continuing to create a space where every Evertonian and every football fan feels safe, valued, and celebrated.” The group urged the FA to reconsider its decision, a decision they dubbed unfair. Rainbow Toffees India Willoughby is a transgender woman herself. Taking to X, she said: “This is crazy. It's absolutely insane. Trans people haven't done anything, yet we're being stigmatised and demonised in such a horrible way. This is full-blown trans apartheid, and it's down to six years of incessant fear and scaremongering. It's so unfair." ‌ Kop Outs banner at Liverpool Pride march. (Image: Andrew Teebay ) Kop Outs, Liverpool FC’s LGBT+ fan group, echoed a similar sentiment. Paul Amann said: “We are deeply disappointed and frankly angered by the Football Association's decision. This move feels like a devastating step backwards for inclusion and equality in the sport we love. “Indeed it will conflict with the confidentiality of trans people, forcing them to disclose their backgrounds. For years, we have championed the idea that football should be for everyone, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. ‌ “We have celebrated the small number of trans women who have found community and belonging on the pitch, and we have stood in solidarity with them against prejudice and discrimination. Paul Amann of Kops Out. (Image: Nikki Girvan ) “This ban not only impacts these individuals directly, denying them the simple joy of playing the game they love, but it also sends a chilling message that trans women are not welcome in the women's game. Article continues below “We understand that the issue of trans inclusion in sports can be complex, and discussions around fair play and safety are important. However, these discussions must be grounded in respect, empathy, and a genuine commitment to inclusion. Blanket bans based on broad generalisations risk causing significant harm to individuals and fostering a climate of exclusion.”