Serious safety fears as man in his 50s 'seen playing alongside teenage girls for several women's football teams'

Serious safety concerns have been raised after a man in his 50s was allegedly spotted playing alongside teenage girls for several women's football teams in Wales.

The issue was raised by Wales Women's Rights Network, which said it had been approached by a spectator who said a man "in his 50s or 60s was playing on a team that included teenage girls and young women".

The women's rights group warned that "it wasn't the first occasion either."

According to the group, the man had been seen playing for several Welsh women's football and walking football teams.

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Female players on opposing teams are not believed to have given "informed consent" to play against him, Wales Women's Rights Network said.

The group confirmed it had raised the matter to the Welsh FA, the Welsh Government and Sport Wales as a "safeguarding concern".

It warned that there is a "significantly increased risk of injury to women and girls" when they come up against male opponents.

"If this male has accessed female changing rooms, showers and toilets this is an additional clear safeguarding risk," it added.

Wales Women's Rights Network wrote on social media: "It is 15 months since the Supreme Court clarified that in law the terms women and girl apply only to the female sex.

"A women’s football team should not include males. There are no excuses.

"We have made this very clear to FA Wales on many occasions. (The FAs of England and Scotland amended their policies in 2025)."

The group continued: "While it's happy to spend public money to grow the game, FA Wales is strangely resistant to offering those same taxpayers fair and safe sport for females.

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"FAW obstinately refuses to do the one thing that would secure the women’s game is for women and girls only - follow the law and ensure that no males play in the female game.

"FA Wales we are long into extra time on this matter. Policies must be changed now.

"No more women and girls should be forced to play on teams that include men because FA Wales refuses to follow the law of the land."

Reform UK Senedd member Dan Thomas has raised the issue with Welsh Minister for Culture and Sport Heledd Fychan.

In a letter penned to the Plaid Cymru minister, Mr Thomas has asked whether the Welsh Government would be investigating the issue and asked for clarification surrounding safeguarding assessments and guidance to women's teams.

"The issue is clearly one of significant public interest and has implications for safeguarding, fair competition, and the continued participation of women and girls in sport," he wrote.

"It is essential that concerns raised by participants and campaign groups are taken seriously and addressed openly."

GB News has approached the Welsh FA and Welsh Government for comment.

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