While women's soccer boasts LGBTQ advocates, FIFA reviews trans rules

The inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s events is one of the most contentious and divisive issues in sport.

MANCHESTER, England — U.S. soccer veteran Megan Rapinoe raised the ire of retired tennis great Martina Navratilova when she said this week she would “absolutely” support a trans woman playing on the American squad.

The inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s events is one of the most contentious and divisive issues in sport with World Athletics and World Aquatics among global federations that have tightened their rules in recent months.

The Women’s World Cup which kicks off July 20 in Australia and New Zealand will feature some of the fiercest advocates for LGBTQ rights and visibility, but FIFA is reviewing its trans eligibility policies, a move announced a year ago after swimming passed their new tighter rules.

“We as a country are trying to legislate away people’s full humanity,” Rapinoe told Time. “It’s particularly frustrating when women’s sports is weaponized. Oh, now we care about fairness? Now we care about women’s sports?”

Navratilova, a trailblazer for gay rights, tweeted a one-word response: “Yikes . . .”