Overview
- The Football Association updated its stadium accreditation on Friday to forbid solid brick, breeze‑block or concrete barriers around pitches for men’s National League System steps 1–6 and Women’s National League tiers 3–4.
- The rule says existing solid walls must be removed as soon as reasonably practicable or covered with suitable protection where removal is structurally impracticable.
- The change follows an independent health and safety review prompted by the death of 21‑year‑old Billy Vigar after he struck a concrete barrier in September 2025.
- The FA and the Premier League will fund remedial work through the Premier League Stadium Fund, and about 160 of roughly 900 affected clubs have already been notified that their grounds need changes.
- The Professional Footballers’ Association welcomed the rule but urged close monitoring, practical support for clubs during the transition and interim risk mitigation to protect players.