Europe’s First Transgender Soccer Team, Phoenix FC, Makes Historic Debut in Regional Men’s League
In a groundbreaking moment for European soccer, Phoenix FC, a team made up entirely of transgender men, has made its debut in the regional men’s league in Spain’s Catalonia region. This all-transgender team is the first of its kind to gain Federated status in Europe, symbolizing a significant step forward for inclusivity in sports. The team’s name, Phoenix FC, draws inspiration from the mythical bird symbolizing rebirth—a fitting emblem for a squad challenging societal norms and carving out a space for transgender athletes in a traditionally rigid sport.
Phoenix FC was founded by 24-year-old Hugo Martinez, who himself has faced adversity in his transition. Martinez, who initially played on a women’s team before his transition, encountered widespread hostility, from insults to threats, when attempting to join a men’s team. Reflecting on his experiences, Martinez shared, “I was a boy playing in the girls’ team without a changed ID, so I couldn’t play with the boys either. The abuse came from all directions—the stands, other players, even coaches.”
The team’s debut in September in Spain’s fifth-tier men’s league marked a historic moment. Captain Luk Ibanes, 19, was among the first to join Martinez on this pioneering journey. Like many of his teammates, Ibanes had concerns about playing alongside cisgender men, fearing that the environment would be overly aggressive or unwelcoming. “We were afraid of playing with cis men,” Ibanes admitted. “We thought we wouldn’t fit in or that it would be too violent. So many thoughts went through our heads about whether we could continue playing soccer.”
Despite the hurdles, Spain’s recent advances in transgender rights gave the team some hope. In 2022, the country passed a groundbreaking transgender rights bill designed to make it easier for individuals to legally change their gender identity. While this legislative progress signals societal change, discrimination remains prevalent. In 2023 alone, Catalonia’s Observatory against LGBT-phobia recorded 302 cases of discrimination or violence against LGBT individuals, with a quarter of these incidents targeting transgender people.
Phoenix FC’s journey is more than just a sports story—it’s a narrative about the power of community and creating safe spaces. The team lost its first game of the season, suffering a 19-0 defeat, but Ibanes is quick to emphasize that Phoenix FC’s significance transcends the scoreboard. “Phoenix is a team of trans boys, created entirely by trans boys,” he explained. “But I think it’s more than that. It’s a family, a safe space where you can be free and express yourself however you feel.”
Spain’s Catalan Football Association (FA) has been at the forefront of promoting inclusivity in soccer. For the past two seasons, its men’s leagues have been mixed, allowing players to participate regardless of their official identity. Additionally, players are not required to use their legal name, giving individuals the freedom to play under the name that best represents them. Unfortunately, this is not a standard practice across all regional FAs or sports, highlighting the ongoing fight for transgender athletes’ rights.
As Phoenix FC continues its journey in Catalonia’s league, their presence serves as an inspiring reminder of how sports can be a platform for change. Despite facing discrimination, insults, and setbacks, Phoenix FC’s players remain determined to thrive, paving the way for future generations of transgender athletes to follow in their footsteps. Their debut marks not only a significant achievement for the team but also a victory for LGBTQ+ representation in sports.
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Europe’s First Transgender Soccer Team, Phoenix FC, Makes Historic Debut in Regional Men’s League
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Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
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NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
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Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum