After swimming: Transgender athletes will also be tested in football and athletics Israel today

A day after the decision of the World Swimming Federation (FINA), the World Football Association (FIFA) and the World Athletics Federation (IAAF) also announced today (Tuesday) a ban on the participation of transgender athletes in official competitions for women. 

"FIFA is reviewing its gender eligibility regulations in consultation with stakeholders and experts," a FIFA spokesman told Reuters. "Due to the ongoing nature of the process, FIFA is unable to address the details of the proposed amendments to existing regulations." 

The spokesman added: "If FIFA is asked to verify a player's eligibility before the new regulations apply, each such case will be dealt with on a case - by - case basis, taking into account FIFA's clear commitment to respect human rights." 

FIFA added that it was examining the matter in medical, legal, scientific, performance and human rights terms, taking into account the position of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). 

One of the biggest stars of women's soccer, Megan Rapino, the 2012 London Olympic gold medalist and World Cup winner with the United States, told Time magazine she believes the ban on transgender women competing in elite sports is "cruel" and "disgusting" following the FINA decision. 

Megan Rapino.

Does not make the decision, Photo: Reuters

But football is not alone.

World Athletics Federation president Sebastian Kou told the BBC he welcomed the development, adding that the World Athletics Association would review its policy by the end of the year.

"We see an international federation declaring its primacy in setting rules, regulations and policies that are in favor of its sport," Koo said. 

"We have always believed that biology outweighs gender and we will continue to review our regulations accordingly. We will follow science. We continue to study and research and have scheduled a discussion on regulations with our council at the end of the year." 

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