Overview
- The Unauthorised Entry to Football Matches Act takes effect across England and Wales this weekend, in time for Arsenal vs Manchester City at Wembley.
- Entering without a valid ticket becomes a specific offence, explicitly covering tailgating, use of forged tickets or passes, and posing as stadium or playing staff.
- Offenders face arrest, football banning orders of up to five years, and fines up to £1,000.
- The change follows Baroness Louise Casey’s review of the Euro 2020 final, which recorded around 2,000 unlawful entries and more than 20 near misses.
- Advanced via a government‑sponsored Private Member’s Bill led by Labour MP Linsey Farnsworth, the law closes a previous legal gap and is framed as preparation for hosting Euro 2028.