Addison Steiner, 31, played a match in Melbourne without knowing that her opponent was a transgender woman. She only found out when the match ended.
“This player is a genuine beast”, admitted the former American professional footballer, describing her as faster, stronger and more technically skilled than the fastest players in the league. Later, that same player won the top-scorer award in Victoria’s premier women’s knockout competition.
Another footballer, a former teammate, added her own testimony: she said that several opponents admitted being afraid to challenge for the ball. When she raised her concern with Football Victoria, the institution’s response was clear: inclusion is its “highest priority”. Executive director Dan Birrell confirmed that there is no requirement for players to disclose their biological sex at birth. Where is the line between inclusion and fairness?
