Spanish Women’s Football Controversy: Players Accused of Being “Bearded Men”

A women’s football match between Terrassa and Europa B has sparked a widespread controversy in Spain, reaching both sporting and political arenas.

The accusations came after the Terrassa team claimed their opponents had fielded “two bearded men” in the match, who they allege are not women, despite being listed as female players.

Alicia Tomás, the spokesperson for the far-right political party VOX, voiced her condemnation on social media, stating that the incident is yet another example of what she described as “perverse gender ideology” infiltrating women’s sports. She posted on X (formerly known as Twitter), saying:

“Our girls from have lost against Europa because among their rivals there were two bearded guys who now consider themselves women. Decades of struggle to have our place in sport, and now the perverse gender ideology wants to erase our presence. We are governed by sick people.

“It is as unfair that men who call themselves women should participate in a women’s competition as it is that women who are going through the male hormonal process should participate. They want to remove us from the public space, from sports, and from all areas. At VOX, we will defend women and the fight that our ancestors waged for decades against the perverse gender ideology.”

Nuestras chicas del @TerrassaFC han perdido contra el Europa porque entre sus rivales habían dos tíos con barba que ahora se autoperciben mujer.

Décadas de lucha para tener nuestro lugar en el deporte para que ahora la perversa ideología de género quiera borrar nuestra… https://t.co/tx7SHG3zNk

— Alicia Tomás (@aliciaterrassa) October 20, 2024

The official VOX party account echoed this sentiment, posting a message that read: “Our girls at Terrassa are already suffering the terrible consequences of perverse gender ideology.”

As the issue gained traction, the Spanish sports media outlet ‘Marca’ published a report clarifying the identities of the two individuals at the centre of the dispute. Álex and Nil, the two players in question, are reportedly in the process of transitioning from female to male. As Marca explains, they are still competing in women’s football because, while they undergo their transition, they are not yet eligible to play for men’s teams.

The incident has stirred debate across Spain, with opinions sharply divided over the participation of transgender athletes in sports, especially within gender-specific competitions. The controversy is now a point of discussion not only within the football community but also in broader social and political circles.

Site Opinion

This controversy highlights a growing challenge for sports organisations as they navigate the complex intersection of gender identity and competitive fairness. As society increasingly acknowledges and respects the rights of transgender individuals, there is an undeniable tension in how those rights fit within the traditional frameworks of gender-segregated sports. The issue raised by the match between Terrassa and Europa B is likely not an isolated case and could become more frequent as more athletes openly transition.

In the long run, sports governing bodies will need to establish clear, consistent policies that both uphold fairness and ensure inclusivity. Balancing these competing interests will not be easy, but it is a necessary step in fostering a sporting environment where everyone feels both represented and respected.