Police will stop more than 1,600 fans, who have football banning orders, from attending UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany this summer.
The same policy was enforced for the 2022 World Cup, as over 1,300 fans with football banning orders were stopped from going to Qatar.
Real fans ✅
Hooligans ❌
Violent fans who fail to surrender their passport or try to travel to Germany for @EURO2024 could face an unlimited fine or up to 6 months in prison. pic.twitter.com/iv8g2cmQQo
— Home Office (@ukhomeoffice) March 26, 2024
‘Zero tolerance’ – Police taking issue seriously
These fans will be told to hand in their passports from June 4 until July 14, when the final in Berlin takes place. If they do not comply, they could be facing up to six months in prison.
Policing Minister Chris Philp said: “The vast majority of fans are law-abiding, but we will have zero tolerance for those who disrupt this incredible event.
“These measures will ensure true football fans can travel to the tournament safely and prevent hooligans from committing these crimes abroad.”
Football banning orders on the rise in the UK
In September 2023, the Home Office announced that football-related arrests in England and Wales had reached the biggest number in nine years. In the 2022/23 season, there were 2,264 arrests at football matches, which was a 66% rise from the previous season.
As well as this, 682 football banning orders were issued last season, which was a 32% increase from the 2021/22 campaign. Home Secretary Suella Braverman said: “It is so important for our communities that fans can go to watch their club play without fear for their safety.”
“With more people banned from football for their criminal acts and illegal drug taking being tackled, we will continue to make football safer for supporters up and down the country.”