Trump calls for FIFA to restrict trans athletes in women’s soccer

The Trump administration is reportedly pressuring FIFA to implement a policy prohibiting transgender athletes from participating in women’s professional soccer. This development coincides with a delay in FIFA’s approval of a joint bid by the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Jamaica to host the 2031 Women’s World Cup.

2031 Women’s World Cup Bid Delay

FIFA has postponed the approval of the joint bid to host the 2031 Women’s World Cup, initially scheduled for April 30, to later this year. The delay is attributed to the Trump administration’s failure to provide necessary government guarantees, including commitments related to visas, tax exemptions, and security measures. These guarantees are typically processed through the host federation, U.S. Soccer, before being formally submitted to FIFA. Despite the bid’s presentation in October, FIFA has not yet received these assurances, which has stalled the approval process.

Administration’s Demands and FIFA’s Response

The joint bid represents the only proposal for the 2031 Women’s World Cup, granting the host nations, particularly the United States, considerable leverage. The Trump administration is reportedly using this leverage to demand that FIFA adopt a policy mirroring the International Olympic Committee’s stance and banning transgender competitors in women’s soccer before providing the required guarantees. FIFA has stated that the delay is intended to create a “standalone event” later this year, aiming to highlight the growing influence of women’s soccer and FIFA’s flagship tournament.

White House Position

Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup, reiterated the Trump administration’s push to ban transgender athletes in a statement. He urged the broader sports world to commit to ensuring fair competition for female athletes.

U.S. Soccer’s Perspective

Representatives from U.S. Soccer, speaking anonymously, acknowledged the absence of the government guarantees but expressed optimism, citing ongoing discussions with government officials and believing a resolution is possible.

Current U.S. Soccer Regulations

FIFA governs regulations for U.S. national teams. Previously, U.S. Soccer allowed players to register based on gender identity, requiring documentation such as government-issued IDs or verification from healthcare providers. In 2021, the National Women’s Soccer League adopted a policy permitting transgender athletes to compete in women’s leagues if their testosterone levels met specified requirements. However, U.S. Soccer subsequently added a clause aligning with Trump’s executive order and changes by the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, which bar transgender women from female-designated teams, with the stated goal of ensuring a “fair and safe competition environment.”

Athlete and Player Perspectives

Retired U.S. women’s national team star Megan Rapinoe has criticized efforts to ban transgender athletes, characterizing them as a politically motivated tactic. Within the National Women’s Soccer League, Angel City FC player Elizabeth Eddy wrote in the New York Post advocating for restrictions based on biological characteristics. Team captain Sarah Gorden and vice captain Angelina Anderson later issued statements seemingly contradicting Eddy’s claims.

Broader Trends in Sports

Several other sports governing bodies have implemented bans on transgender athletes at the elite level, reflecting a broader trend toward stricter eligibility rules. Some, like World Aquatics, have proposed a third “open” category for competition. Other organizations with restrictions include World Athletics, the World Boxing Council, UCI (cycling’s governing body), USA Rugby, and the United States Tennis Association.