LONDON, England: New FA pitchside wall rules require lower-league clubs to remove or protect brick-and-concrete barriers.
The Football Association announced the change on Friday, August 7, after reviewing Billy Vigar’s fatal 2025 collision.
The FA pitchside wall rules cover men’s National League System Steps 1–6 and Women’s National League Tiers 3–4. Existing brick, breeze-block or concrete barriers must be removed as soon as reasonably practicable, the FA said.
Clubs may instead install suitable protection where structural considerations prevent removal. Matches can continue at affected grounds while clubs assess risks and plan recommended alterations within a reasonable period.
Press Association Sport said around 160 of roughly 900 clubs received notices requiring at least one stadium modification.
The FA and Premier League will finance necessary work through the Premier League Stadium Fund. The governing body said the programme’s initial phase had already begun and promised continued support to affected clubs.
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Vigar, 21, struck a concrete perimeter wall while trying to keep the ball in play for Chichester City. The Isthmian League match at Wingate & Finchley’s Maurice Rebak Stadium on September 20 was abandoned after 13 minutes.
Vigar sustained a severe brain injury and died five days later despite surgery. The former Arsenal academy forward had also represented Derby County, Eastbourne Borough and Hastings United.
The FA launched its perimeter-safety review on September 26, one day after Vigar’s death. The Professional Footballers’ Association welcomed the change but said implementation and temporary risk controls required close monitoring.
The PFA had sought a review since Bath City’s Alex Fletcher was left in a coma during a 2022 match.
