Over 1,600 Football Fans Banned from Euro 2024

Over 1,600 football fans from England and Wales who are under football banning orders are being prohibited from traveling to Germany for Euro 2024. These fans are required to surrender their UK passports, effective from June 4 till July 14, when the tournament concludes. Policing Minister Chris Philp emphasized a zero-tolerance approach towards violence, abuse, and disorder during the event, toeing the line on severe penalties including up to a six-month prison term for non-compliance.

The identified individuals attempting to travel to Germany or neighboring countries risk facing an unlimited hefty fine or a prison sentence. The legal provisions have been widened to authorize police to intercept potential troublemakers, who will be subjected to an immediate banning order hearing in court within 24-hours.

These measures aim at ensuring a safe traveling and viewing experience for genuine football enthusiasts while averting the possibility of hooliganism. This preventative action comes in response to a rise in football-related arrests in England and Wales, reaching a nine-year high according to September's Home Office figures. Additionally, more than 1,300 fans were banned during the last significant men's football tournament, the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.