REGULATORY · UK
England and Wales criminalise unauthorised stadium entry
Change
New law will make entering a football match in England and Wales without a ticket a criminal offence.
Why it matters
The legislation criminalises entering a football match in England and Wales without a ticket. It also outlaws knowingly using forged tickets, passes or accreditation, posing as staff, and 'tailgating' through turnstiles. Offenders face football banning orders of up to five years and fines up to £1,000. The law comes into force before the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.
Implications
- · Police can charge and prosecute a specific criminal offence for unauthorised stadium entry rather than relying on suspected fraud or ejection.
- · Courts can impose football banning orders up to five years and fines up to £1,000 on convicted individuals.
- · Stadium operators and matchday security gain a statutory basis for reporting and supporting prosecutions of tailgating and forged-entry attempts.
Who is affected
- · Matchday supporters and ticket‑holders
- · Stadium operators and stewards
- · Police and prosecuting authorities
- · Courts and sentencing authorities
What to watch
- · Effective date: law comes into force before the Carabao Cup final at Wembley
Source
Topics
World & Politics Policy & Regulation Law & Public Safety Regulatory Actions Criminal Justice