- Licensed standing can begin in pilot programme from 1 January
- ‘We are beyond delighted,’ says FSA’s Kevin Miles
Clubs in the Premier League and Championship will be able to offer licensed standing areas from 1 January as part of a pilot programme. The Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA) set out the plans in a statement on Wednesday.
The introduction of designated safe standing areas would mean an end to the blanket ban on standing in the top two divisions of English football, which has been in place for more than 25 years. Clubs must apply to be part of the “early adopter” programme by 6 October and, if approved, will be able to operate a licensed standing area from New Year’s Day until the end of the season.