German Football To Let Transgender Players Choose Men's Or Women's Teams

In contrast with other sports that are tightening rules, the German Football Federation (DFB) is set to implement new regulations that will allow transgender and non-binary players to 'independently' decide which team they want to play for.

It means they will no longer be bound by personal identification data, such as birth certificates.

The DFB passed the new regulations for players with the civil status "diverse" or "unspecified" on Thursday.

"It also applies to transgender players who can now switch at a self-determined time or remain initially in the team in which they’d been playing previously," the DFB said.

"As long as the sporting activity does not affect the health of the person while they are taking medication, the person can take part in the game, which is why the new regulation excludes doping relevance."

The rules, which have been tested at state level by the Berlin Football Federation since 2019, will come into effect nationwide for the start of the new season and will be incorporated into youth, futsal and amateur football in Germany.

"Experience has shown that this does not jeopardise the integrity of the competition," the DFB added.

"After all, all people have different physical strengths and abilities that only lead to success together in a team, regardless of gender."

The DFB's approach is in stark contrast to other governing bodies, that are tightening rules around transgender women competing in women's sport.

Swimming's world governing body, Fina, recently voted to ban transgender women from elite female competitions if they have experienced any part of male puberty.

World Athletics president, Sebastian Coe, hailed the decision as in "the best interests of its sport" and hinted athletics could follow suit.

Women's international rugby league has also announced it will no longer allow trans women to compete, while the governing bodies for badminton, hockey, triathlon and canoeing are planning to review their current policies.