LONDON - The Football Association (FA) announced Thursday that transgender women will no longer be permitted to play in women's football competitions in England, effective June 1, 2025.

The decision follows a similar policy change by the Scottish FA earlier this week, both coming in response to an April UK Supreme Court ruling that defined 'female' by biological sex rather than gender identity.

In a statement released Thursday, the FA explained: "As the governing body of the national sport, our role is to make football accessible to as many people as possible, operating within the law and international football policy defined by UEFA and FIFA." The organization noted that their previous inclusive policy was supported by expert legal advice, but the Supreme Court ruling has forced a change in position.

The policy shift means that from next summer, transgender women will be unable to participate in women's football across England at all levels. The FA stated they are currently contacting registered transgender women players to explain the changes and discuss alternative ways they can remain involved in the sport.

Prior to this announcement, the FA had allowed transgender women to compete provided their testosterone levels were below a certain threshold.

The Football Association of Wales has indicated it will "await further guidance" and will "take the steps required to meet [its] obligations under the Equality Act."

The impact of the Supreme Court ruling appears to be spreading to other sports, with reports that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is meeting Friday to discuss potentially implementing a complete ban on transgender women in cricket competitions at all levels. Currently, transgender women are only prohibited from competing in the top two tiers of elite cricket.