Transgender footballers in Germany allowed to choose if they play in men's or women's teams

If they play in a men's or women's team, they will be able to choose their gender.

There is a ruling for amateur and junior football by the German football association.

The gender specified in a person's identification document determines their eligibility to play for a men's or women's team.

There are two options in the gender section of ID documents for Germans.

Since it is possible for people to register in the civil registry as diverse, there has been a rise in the number of people with that status.

The need for clear rules is more important than ever.

Professional football in Germany is not covered by the ruling.

England's FA states that under-18s may play in a mixed team, or a girls' or boys' team, regardless of their birth sex, but they need to apply for approval to play in their affirmed gender.

Critics of trans athletes' participation in women's sports say they have a disadvantage. Measures such as reducing testosterone can help level the playing field for trans athletes.

The debate over the inclusion of trans athletes in women's sport is a tricky subject.

The same week that swimming's world governing body voted to stop trans athletes from competing in women's elite races if they have gone through any part of male puberty, the DFB made a decision.

The period of time before a rider transitions from male to female can be doubled by the UCI.