“FIFA is currently revising its regulations on gender equality in consultation with experts,” a FIFA spokesman told the German Press Agency on Tuesday. On the one hand, FIFA relies on the guidelines of numerous interest groups for medicine, law, science/performance and human rights.
In addition, the world association referred to the IOC Framework for Fairness, Inclusion and Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity and Gender Differences from November 2021. Since the process has not yet been completed, one cannot comment on the details of the proposed changes to the existing regulations at the moment.
Should FIFA be asked to review a trans person’s eligibility to play before the new regulations come into force, each individual case will be dealt with taking into account FIFA’s “clear commitment to respect human rights,” it said on Tuesday.
Swimming and rugby decided
The International Rugby League (IRL) follows the example of the World Swimming Federation (FINA) and initially excludes transgender athletes from international women’s competitions. This affects, among other things, the World Cup in England in November. As the IRL announced on Tuesday, they are working intensively on the development of criteria “that fairly reconcile the right of the individual to play with the safety of all participants”.
The goal is a “comprehensive inclusion policy” by 2023, a final line for trans people should be determined. In order to avoid unnecessary legal risks, further consultations and additional investigations are necessary. In general, however, the IRL believes that rugby is a game for everyone and that everyone can play our sport.
The IRL referred to the International Olympic Committee in its decision. According to this, it is the task of every sport and its umbrella organization “to determine to what extent an athlete has a disproportionate advantage compared to his competitors – taking into account the different nature of the individual sports”.
New category?
The FINA had set new rules for trans people on Sunday. Thereafter, they may only enter women’s competitions if they have completed their gender reassignment by the age of twelve. In addition, there are considerations to introduce a so-called “open” competition category.
According to statements by its chairman Sebastian Coe, the World Athletics Federation could also possibly join the new FINA rules. Last week, the International Cycling Union (UCI) updated its rules for the admission of transgender athletes and introduced stricter limits.
Source: Nachrichten