Unauthorised Entry to Football Matches Act 2026: UK health and safety law implications for venues and duty holders

Unauthorised Entry to Football Matches Act 2026: UK health and safety law implications for venues and duty holders

What has changed

On 22 March 2026 the Unauthorised Entry to Football Matches Act 2026 comes into force. It creates new offences relating to unauthorised entry at football matches and provides a framework for improved crowd and perimeter control at venues. The Act affects how venues manage spectator access, security screening and the overall safety of people at matches.

Why it matters

The change matters for legal duties under UK health and safety law and for the governance of risk at sporting events. By clarifying what constitutes unauthorised entry and establishing enforcement expectations, organisations must demonstrate effective controls over entry points, ticket verification and security arrangements. This has direct implications for risk management, incident response and ongoing compliance with HSE requirements.

Who is affected

The change principally affects stadium operators, security contractors, event organisers, team owners, gatekeepers and stadium staff. Local authorities and licensing bodies may also be involved in overseeing compliance and reviewing security arrangements at venues.

Key duties for employers

Duty holders should prioritise:

• Review and update entry procedures, ticketing controls and barrier management
• Ensure entry staff are trained to recognise threats and respond to incidents
• Implement clear escalation routes for suspected unauthorised entry
• Assess and mitigate risks at all points of entry and throughout the venue
• Engage workers and security personnel in threat assessment and drills
• Review contractor arrangements and ensure adequate oversight of third parties
• Document compliance with due process and maintain records for audits
• Align management systems with ISO 45001 where relevant

Steps to achieve compliance

1. Update risk assessments to cover spectator ingress, crowd flow and potential unauthorised entries
2. Revise standard operating procedures for ticket control, bag searches and staff redeployment during matches
3. Provide updated training for security teams and front line staff
4. Review and strengthen contractor management and oversight
5. Test incident response, reporting and communication during drills
6. Engage workers and their representatives in planning and posting updates
7. Consider adopting a recognised health and safety management framework such as ISO 45001

Enforcement and sanctions

Enforcement actions are expected under the Act where organisations are found to be non compliant. Organisations should therefore maintain robust governance, inspection and audit processes to demonstrate ongoing compliance.

Governance, risk, and practical controls

To manage the new requirements, organisations should integrate the change within their existing health and safety management systems. Consider engaging a Competent Person for advisory support and review of risk assessments, policies and procedures. See Competent Person support for more information. For systematic control of workplace risk and legal compliance, organisations may also align with ISO 45001 occupational health and safety management.

What organisations should do next

• Map out entry points, identify weak controls and prioritise fixes

• Update risk assessments, procedures and training plans

• Check contractor arrangements and ensure alignment with safety requirements

• Plan and execute stakeholder engagement and worker consultation

• Review governance and reporting structures to demonstrate ongoing compliance

• Use an ongoing improvement approach, such as ISO 45001, to sustain compliance

Wrap up

The 2026 commencement of the Unauthorised Entry to Football Matches Act marks a significant step in strengthening spectator safety and crowd control at football venues. Timely compliance and proactive planning will help organisations mitigate risk, protect staff and spectators, and demonstrate robust HSE practice.