After the test phase of the “Safe standing” project was successful in the past Premier League season, all teams will be able to apply for a conversion to standing areas from the coming season onwards.
Originally, Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea FC, among others, had previously offered first-time standing again. Because the test phase since the beginning of the year proved to be a success, all clubs in the top English division can now apply for conversion to standing areas from the coming season.
“Thanks to a robust trial, thorough evidence and modern technology, we are ready to allow standing areas back into our stadiums,” said Nadine Dorries, the UK Minister for Sport, Culture, Media and Digital. However, clubs must meet “strict safety criteria” for permission.
As a result of the Hillsborough disaster in 1989, standing areas had been banned in British stadiums since 1994. After lengthy discussions, the project was announced in September 2021 and implemented from 1 January.