UK Football Fans Banned from Traveling to FIFA Club World Cup
Legislation to prevent violent fans from attending the tournament comes into effect ahead of the summer event.
In a significant move to address football-related violence, the UK government has announced that fans with a history of violent behavior will be barred from traveling to the FIFA Club World Cup, scheduled to take place in the United States this summer.
The legislation, effective from June 9 to July 13, 2024, targets individuals subject to football banning orders, particularly affecting supporters of Manchester City and Chelsea, who qualified to represent England at the tournament.
The legislation stipulates that approximately 150 individuals identified as violent football fans will be required to surrender their passports to law enforcement during the tournament period.
Noncompliance may result in severe penalties, including unlimited fines or imprisonment for up to six months.
Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson expressed the government's commitment to ensuring a safe environment for the majority of fans who wish to support their teams at the event.
“We will continue to crack down on the hooligan minority, so that the vast majority can carry on attending football without trouble,” Johnson stated.
Historically, similar measures have been implemented during other international tournaments, including Euro 2024, which reported a compliance rate of 99% among those subject to banning orders.
As of August 1, 2024, data indicates there are 2,172 active football banning orders in England and Wales.
These orders can be issued for a range of offenses related to football, including violence, disorderly conduct, pitch invasions, and online hate crimes associated with the sport.
The bans typically last up to five years and can extend to ten years for individuals jailed due to football-related offenses.
The upcoming FIFA Club World Cup will feature 32 teams, marking an expansion from previous editions of the tournament, and is anticipated to attract considerable international attention.
The legislation, effective from June 9 to July 13, 2024, targets individuals subject to football banning orders, particularly affecting supporters of Manchester City and Chelsea, who qualified to represent England at the tournament.
The legislation stipulates that approximately 150 individuals identified as violent football fans will be required to surrender their passports to law enforcement during the tournament period.
Noncompliance may result in severe penalties, including unlimited fines or imprisonment for up to six months.
Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson expressed the government's commitment to ensuring a safe environment for the majority of fans who wish to support their teams at the event.
“We will continue to crack down on the hooligan minority, so that the vast majority can carry on attending football without trouble,” Johnson stated.
Historically, similar measures have been implemented during other international tournaments, including Euro 2024, which reported a compliance rate of 99% among those subject to banning orders.
As of August 1, 2024, data indicates there are 2,172 active football banning orders in England and Wales.
These orders can be issued for a range of offenses related to football, including violence, disorderly conduct, pitch invasions, and online hate crimes associated with the sport.
The bans typically last up to five years and can extend to ten years for individuals jailed due to football-related offenses.
The upcoming FIFA Club World Cup will feature 32 teams, marking an expansion from previous editions of the tournament, and is anticipated to attract considerable international attention.
