Claim: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has decided to ban all transgender women from competing in female Olympic events starting in 2028.

Beginning November 9, 2025, several American media outlets reported that the International Olympic Committee was preparing to adopt a new policy that would ban transgender women from competing in female Olympic categories. The reports emerged amid growing discussions within the IOC about how to establish consistent eligibility rules ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

What Major Outlets Reported

• Reuters reported on November 10, 2025, that the IOC was still deliberating universal transgender eligibility standards and had not made any final decisions. The article noted that the committee had formed a working group to explore how best to protect the integrity of female categories while reviewing relevant scientific data. via Reuters article
• The New York Times also reported on November 10, 2025, that the IOC was moving toward restricting transgender women from competing in female events. It stated that this direction followed a scientific review suggesting lasting physical advantages remain despite testosterone suppression. New IOC President Kirsty Coventry was said to be working toward clear, harmonized rules across all sports. via New York Times article
• ESPN, on November 9, 2025, quoted IOC statements confirming that “no decisions have been made yet,” while noting the same scientific findings and internal discussions fueling speculation about a possible ban. via ESPN report
• The Los Angeles Times reported on November 11, 2025, that the IOC appeared to be edging closer to a ban, especially given the upcoming Los Angeles 2028 Games, but similarly noted that the final policy had yet to be announced. via Los Angeles Times article

Together, these reports reflected an evolving policy conversation within the IOC rather than a completed decision.

The Times’ Report and Its Context

The UK-based outlet The Times published a piece on November 9, 2025, under the headline: “Transgender women to be banned from all female Olympic events.” At first glance, the headline suggested that the IOC had already finalized this ban. However, a closer reading of the article reveals a different reality.

The piece quotes sources describing the IOC as being “a step closer to banning transgender women from competing in all female events” following a detailed scientific review presented to its members. That review reportedly found that physical advantages from male puberty persist even after testosterone suppression. The article notes that the internal presentation was “very scientific, factual, and unemotional,” with strong support among IOC members. 

Yet, it clearly states that “no decisions have been taken yet,” and additional legal work was underway to ensure that any potential policy could withstand challenges. According to The Times, the proposed rule is expected to be announced early next year and implemented before the 2028 Games. The Times IOC transgender ban report

This distinction matters: while the headline presents the decision as final, the article itself acknowledges that the process is still ongoing and that a formal policy has not yet been approved.

Current IOC Position

As of November 2025, the International Olympic Committee has not issued any official statement, press release, or confirmation of a final decision to ban transgender women from female Olympic categories. The IOC has publicly reiterated that “no decisions have been taken yet,” emphasizing that its working group continues to evaluate the scientific, legal, and ethical dimensions of the proposal.

IOC medical and scientific director Dr. Jane Thornton recently briefed members on a scientific review finding that certain physiological advantages remain despite hormone therapy. These findings have informed new discussions within the committee led by President Kirsty Coventry, who aims to introduce consistent, evidence-based eligibility guidelines applicable across all federations. While multiple outlets suggest that a ban could be announced in early 2026—possibly during the IOC Session in Milan—and take effect for the 2028 Olympic Games, such a step remains anticipated, not confirmed.

Fact-Check Rating: Not True

While The Times’ headline misleadingly implies that the IOC has already enacted a ban, the full article—and statements from the IOC itself—make clear that no final decision has been reached. The policy is still under legal and scientific review, with formal adoption potentially months away. Readers should therefore interpret the claim that the IOC has already banned transgender women from female categories as not true.

Our Fact-Check Sources

• Reuters report on IOC transgender policy deliberations, November 10, 2025: Reuters
• New York Times on IOC moving toward possible restrictions, November 10, 2025: New York Times
• ESPN statement on no final decision yet, November 9, 2025: ESPN
• Los Angeles Times report on evolving policy, November 11, 2025: Los Angeles Times
• The Times (UK) article clarifying headline vs. content distinction, November 9, 2025: The Times