FIFA revises its rules for transgender soccer players

FIFA will join other sports federations in revising its rules for transgender athletes, a spokesman for world soccer's governing body told the German news agency dpa on Tuesday.

Recently, the International Swimming Federation (FINA) and the International Rugby League (IRL) decided to exclude transgender athletes from women's events and the athletics federation World Athletics could also follow suit, according to its president, Sebastian Coe.

A day after FINA adopted a new “gender inclusion policy” that restricted participation by transgender athletes in women’s events, FIFA will reportedly review its own policy https://t.co/95SmX2WeWT

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FIFA "is currently reviewing its gender eligibility regulations in consultation with experts. Therefore, FIFA takes into consideration many stakeholders (medical, legal, scientific/performance and human rights), as well as the IOC Framework of November 2021 on equity, inclusion and non-discrimination on the basis of gender identity and sexual variations," said a spokesperson. 

FIFA will conduct a "case by case" study, taking into account the "clear commitment" of the Federation led by Gianni Infantino "to the respect of human rights."

#FIFA to review #transgender eligibility rules after change in world #swimming's governing body #FINA's policy

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Last week, the International Cycling Union (UCI) tightened its transgender rules on lower testosterone levels. On Sunday, FINA announced that it would ban all transgender women who have experienced any stage of male puberty from competing in women's events and is planning an open category for athletes whose gender is different from birth.

"The World Athletics president, Sebastian Coe, has hailed swimming’s decision to ban transgender women from elite female competition as in “the best interests of its sport” – and hinted that track and field could soon follow suit." #FemaleSport https://t.co/As0V9thPj3

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Finally, World Athletics insisted that they will meet this year to discuss this issue. According to their current rules, trans athletes need low testosterone levels in certain events. 

"We have always believed that biology trumps gender, and we will continue to review our regulations accordingly. We will follow the science," said Coe in support of FINA's decision.