Football Banning Orders - A Guide

Rhys Rosser • March 30, 2025

Football banning orders (FBOs) are a legal tool used in the UK to prevent individuals involved in football-related disorder from attending matches. Introduced under the Football Spectators Act 1989, these orders aimed to manage supporter behaviour and ensure the safety of fans and players.

Football banning orders are court-issued restrictions placed on individuals who have committed offences related to football violence, disorder, or hate crimes. These orders prohibit offenders from attending football matches for a specified period, which can range from three to ten years, depending on the severity of the offence.


A football banning order can be issued for various offences, including:

  • Violence or disorder at football matches.
  • Pitch invasions that disrupt games.
  • Use of pyrotechnics or flares in stadiums.
  • Online hate crime linked to football.
  • Alcohol-related offences at football events.


In 2025, new legislation was introduced to prevent individuals with FBOs from travelling to international tournaments. For example, Chelsea and Manchester City fans with banning orders will be required to surrender their passports during the FIFA Club World Cup in the USA. This measure aims to prevent troublemakers from causing disturbances abroad.


As well as being dealt with for the original offence, a breach of a football banning order can also have serious consequences. Individuals who fail to comply with an FBO face severe consequences, including:

  • An unlimited fine.
  • Up to six months in prison.
  • Additional restrictions on travel and attendance at football events.


The effect of a football banning order can be substantial, it is important to ensure that they are only imposed where necessary and proportionate.


Under Section 14A of the Football Spectators Act 1989, a court must impose an FBO if:

  1. The individual has been convicted of a relevant offence (such as violent or disorderly conduct at a football match).
  2. The court believes that imposing an FBO would help prevent future football-related violence or disorder.
  3. The court does not find any exceptional circumstances that would make imposing the order unjust.


A police force or the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) can apply for an FBO even if the individual has not been convicted of a criminal offence. In such cases, the court must be satisfied that:

  1. The individual has caused or contributed to football-related disorder.
  2. The order is necessary to prevent future incidents.



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