Megan Rapinoe Slams 'Disgusting' And 'Cruel' Exclusion Of Transgender Athletes

"Frankly, I think what a lot of people know is versions of the right’s talking points because they’re very loud. They’re very consistent, and they’re relentless.

"At the highest level, there is regulation. In collegiate sports, there is regulation. And at the Olympic and professional level. It’s not like it’s a free-for-all where everyone’s just doing whatever."

Rapinoe, who is widely regarded as one of the most successful female footballers on the planet, has also demanded evidence to support the argument that trans athletes are negatively impacting women's sports.

She added: "Show me the evidence that trans women are taking everyone’s scholarships, are dominating in every sport, are winning every title. I’m sorry, it’s just not happening.

"So we need to start from inclusion, period. And as things arise, I have confidence that we can figure it out. But we can’t start at the opposite. That is cruel. And frankly, it’s just disgusting.

"So, we need to really kind of take a step back and get a grip on what we’re really talking about here because people’s lives are at risk. Kids’ lives are at risk with the rates of suicide, the rates of depression and negative mental health and drug abuse.

"We’re putting everything through God forbid a trans person be successful in sports. Get a grip on reality and take a step back."

News of FINA's call to ban trans athletes from competing in women's elite swimming races has been greeted with a mixed reception.

Some sports fans - much like Rapinoe - have hit out at the 'inclusivity' issue, while others have praised the decision for putting 'fairness' first.

Either way, it seems people are still divided.

"We have to protect the rights of our athletes to compete," FINA president Husain Al-Musallam said.

"But we also have to protect competitive fairness at our events, especially the women’s category at FINA competitions."