Female players are now facing potential disciplinary action if they refuse to compete against trans opponents. This development comes nearly four months after a British female player forfeited a match against a trans woman at a World Darts Federation (WDF) event.
The WDF, the sport’s governing body, has issued a statement clarifying its position on player withdrawals. The organization warns that any player who withdraws from a match after the tournament has begun may be considered to be bringing the game into disrepute and could face disciplinary measures. This stance is reportedly aimed at protecting member countries, tournaments, sponsors, and the integrity of the WDF ranking system.
The announcement has sparked outrage among some female players, including Deta Hedman, a three-time WDF World Championship finalist. Hedman, who withdrew from her Denmark Open quarter-final against Noa-Lynn van Leuven in May, expressed her concerns about the impact on her mental health when forced to play against trans women. She accused the WDF of prioritizing the mental welfare of trans women over those born female.
“They haven’t shown any regard for the mental health of anyone female-born at all,” Hedman stated. “It’s all about the mental health of transgender women. They have not once come to us ladies and asked how we are feeling about it.”
The issue has gained attention beyond the darts community. Fiona McAnena, director of campaigns at human rights charity, criticized the WDF’s stance, saying, “As if it’s not bad enough that women face unfairness, they’re being forced to play or lose their future chances as well. They lose twice over.”
The controversy has been brewing since Noa-Lynn van Leuven, who began transitioning in 2022, joined the women’s circuit and won two Professional Darts Corporation titles in March. This success has led to calls from some players, including Hedman, for the exclusion of trans women from female tournaments.
