FA bans solid pitchside barriers after Vigar death

English football's governing body has banned solid pitchside barriers across the lower leagues following a safety review prompted by the death of former Arsenal youth player Billy Vigar. The Football Association announced the new regulations on Friday, August 7, 2026, requiring clubs in the National League System and the Women's National League to remove or cover brick, breeze block, and concrete perimeter walls.

Vigar, a 21-year-old forward for seventh-tier side Chichester City, died in September 2025 after suffering a significant brain injury. The injury occurred when he collided with a concrete barrier while trying to keep the ball in play during a match at Wingate and Finchley in north London. The FA subsequently launched a review of pitch perimeter safety, conducted by independent health and safety experts for the 2026-27 season.

The new rules apply to clubs competing in steps one through six of the men's National League System and tiers three and four of the women's game. The FA stated that any existing solid barriers must be removed as soon as reasonably practicable. Where removal is not possible for structural reasons, clubs must cover the barriers with suitable...