Entering a football stadium without a valid ticket is now a criminal offence in England and Wales, with offenders facing up to five years of football bans under new legislation introduced ahead of the Carabao Cup Final at Wembley Stadium.
The law targets illegal entry methods such as “tailgating,” forged tickets, fake accreditation, or impersonating stadium staff to gain access. Offenders can face fines up to £1,000 and football banning orders preventing match attendance for up to five years.
The legislation comes in response to disorder at the UEFA Euro 2020 Final, where thousands of ticketless fans forced their way into the stadium, creating serious safety risks. A review found breaches of disabled access gates and emergency exits that could have led to injuries or fatalities.
Policing Minister Sarah Jones said the measures aim to ensure fans can enjoy matches safely, giving authorities the tools to prevent chaos at high-profile fixtures. Previously, offenders were often only ejected, with police relying on fraud charges that were hard to prove.
The changes also form part of broader efforts to enhance stadium safety ahead of Euro 2028, which the UK and Ireland will co-host.
