Campaigner Venice Allan has described the Football Association's decision to ban transgender women from women's football as "like a house of cards".
The comments come as the FA announced that transgender women will no longer be able to play in women's football from June 1, 2025.
The governing body said it had updated its policy in light of the Supreme Court ruling that the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex.
The FA will now contact registered transgender women currently playing to explain the changes.
Venice Allan shared her joy at the decision
GB NEWS
Campaigner Venice Allan said: "It's like a house of cards, isn't it? Because these sporting associations were very especially the FA as far as I know, were very trans inclusive and they wanted to push it as much as they could.
"But the Supreme Court ruling is clear, and they can't carry on allowing men to join in women's teams at any level of any sport because there are so many reasons why that shouldn't happen."
LATEST DEVELOPMENT:
- 'It HAD to happen!' Former Referee hails FA for transgender ban: 'Women's rights were being ERODED'
- Trans people 'fleeing Britain and seeking asylum abroad as they fear for their safety' after Supreme Court gender ruling
- 'It's a step backwards!' Female Labour MP fears being 'challenged in women's toilets' after Supreme Court's trans ruling
She added: "I think we need to change the culture. It's not just about laws.
"It's also about making children who feel that they may be trans, making them realise that the problem is not them.
"Gender is society's problem, not their own bodies."
Speaking about her experience, she explained: "I first started campaigning in 2017, it was a really hostile environment, especially for someone like me as a member of the Labour Party."
The FA's transgender inclusion policy had been updated just prior to the Supreme Court ruling, and continued to allow transgender women to play in women's football provided they reduced testosterone levels.
Those rule changes gave the FA ultimate discretion on permitting a trans woman to play, with consideration given to safety and fairness issues.
Now the FA has gone further and completely barred transgender women from the women's game.
No known transgender women are currently playing professionally in England, with reports suggesting only about 20 are registered with women's clubs at grassroots level.
The Football Association has announced a ban on transgender women from playing in women's football in England starting next seasonPAThe FA's decision follows similar moves by other international sporting bodies, including cycling, swimming and athletics, which have tightened policies regarding transgender competitors.
These changes come amid growing focus on how sporting organisations balance inclusivity with competitive fairness.
Reactions to the FA's decision have been mixed among campaigners and experts.
Natalie Washington from Football v Transphobia told the Press Association that transgender players she knows are saying: "Well, that's it for football for me."
