Fans entering stadiums without tickets will now face fines and bans as the UK cracks down on unauthorised access.
The UK government has made tailgating at football matches a criminal offence, with the law coming into force ahead of this weekend’s Carabao Cup final.
The English Football Association (FA) announced today (20 March) that the Unauthorised Entry to Football Matches Act will make it illegal for anyone to enter a stadium without a valid ticket.
Tailgating, where individuals attempt to force their way through turnstiles by closely following legitimate ticket holders, is included in the legislation and has become one of its most high-profile provisions.
The law also covers attempts to use forged tickets, passes, or accreditation, or to gain entry by posing as a member of the stadium or playing staff. Those found guilty may face a criminal record, a fine of up to £1,000 ($1,331), and a Football Banning Order of up to five years.
Chief Constable Mark Roberts welcomed the new legislation, describing it as “another positive step in enhancing the safety of supporters.”
He added: “Tailgating is not simply about avoiding ticket costs; unauthorised entry is a serious offence that can lead to overcrowding and pose a risk to the safety of law-abiding fans. This change reflects our ongoing commitment to working closely with partners and Government to tackle emerging threats.”
The legacy of the 2020 Euros
A key reason for the new law was the crowd disorder at the UEFA EURO 2020 final at Wembley Stadium, where tailgating and forced entry created significant safety concerns.
Following the final, the FA commissioned Louise Casey to conduct an independent review into the incidents. Her report recommended strengthening the legal framework to deter football-related disorder, including tailgating.
In her response to the legislation, Casey praised the FA for supporting the law, and described the Unauthorised Entry to Football Matches Act as “a significant step forward in improving safety and the matchday experience for fans across the country.”
She recalled her review had “highlighted the challenges posed by tailgating” and said she was “delighted that this Act has now been passed and will be in force in time for the 2026 Carabao Cup Final at Wembley Stadium.”
Enforcement at the Carabao Cup final
As noted by Casey, the law will be enforced at the upcoming Carabao Cup final between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium, the same venue where the 2020 Euros disorder occurred.
Mark Lynch, Stadium Director at Wembley, has already issued a warning to supporters ahead of the game.
“Attempts to tailgate or force entry into football stadiums places a huge strain on crowd safety teams and puts legitimate ticket holders at risk of overcrowding or injury,” Lynch said.
“We welcome the introduction of the Unauthorised Access to Football Matches Act, which will make tailgating at football matches illegal and subject to Football Banning Orders.”
Lynch noted that the legislation comes into effect ahead of a busy period at Wembley, with England’s men’s national team set to play Uruguay and Japan later this month.
While the law applies to all football stadiums, the biggest test is expected when England hosts the Euros in 2028.
