FA bans solid perimeter walls following Billy Vigar death
The English FA has banned solid pitch-side perimeter walls in its Stadium Accreditation Criteria for the 2026-27 season following a safety review.
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The English Football Association has officially banned the use of solid perimeter walls made of brick, breeze block, or concrete around pitches. The decision follows a comprehensive safety review initiated after the tragic death of former Arsenal academy player Billy Vigar.
The 21-year-old suffered a significant brain injury after colliding with a concrete wall during a match for Chichester City. His passing was not an isolated incident, as other players have suffered serious injuries, including fractured skulls, due to similar pitch-side hazards in the English lower leagues.
The new safety requirements will apply to pitches across the National League System (Steps 1-6) and the Women’s National League (tiers 3-4) for the upcoming 2026-27 season. Clubs must remove existing solid barriers as soon as reasonably practicable or cover them with suitable protective padding if removal is not structurally possible.
To assist clubs with these necessary improvements, the FA and the Premier League will provide funding administered via the Premier League Stadium Fund. This initiative aims to ensure that all stadiums meet the updated safety standards to prevent future tragedies.