As sports such as swimming and athletics bring in rules restricting, or even banning, participation for transgender women at the elite level of female sport, world football’s governing body Fifa is now considering its options. The German football association (DFB) has made a first step by introducing a policy this season across the amateur and youth game that allows transgender and non-binary players to choose if they play in men’s or women’s teams – a move it says puts inclusion at the heart of the sport without jeopardising player safety or fairness. DFB diversity ambassador Thomas Hitzlsperger said the organisation was “leading the way” on inclusion and that other footballing nations, including England, Scotland and Wales, have been in contact to find out more.