Women's football, both recently and historically, has made tolerance, community and acceptance a vital part of its identity

"Transgender women will no longer be able to play" women's soccer in England, the national Football Association says after a key U.K. ruling.

Alternative models like open categories or skill-based divisions have been proposed but face logistical hurdles. In the U.S., the NCAA allows trans women to compete after a year of hormone therapy, though state-level bans are rising. Professional leagues like the NWSL may soon face pressure to clarify their stance.