A teenage amateur footballer, Cerys Vaughan, has called for an apology from the Football Association (FA) after a disciplinary case against her was dropped, claiming the ordeal significantly impacted her life.
The 17-year-old was initially banned for six matches, with four suspended, following remarks made to a transgender opponent during a friendly match last year.
Vaughan had asked if the player was a man and, upon learning they were transgender, raised concerns about fairness and safety with the referee.
The FA charged Vaughan with improper conduct, sparking protests by women’s rights campaigners outside Wembley and scrutiny of the FA’s gender eligibility policies.
However, an FA appeal board in February ruled the original hearing “unfair,” quashing the decision and ordering a new process. The case was later dropped when the complainant withdrew.
Vaughan, now vindicated, insists the FA must apologize for the handling of the case, which she says has taken a toll on her personal and sporting life.