The UK has ordered 2,318 people subject to Football Banning Orders to hand in UK passports so they cannot travel to the FIFA World Cup, with documents held until after the final on July 19. FBOs — issued for offences such as violent disorder, drug possession and ticket touting — can last up to 10 years; breaching one carries an unlimited fine and up to six months in prison. Officials say the measures protect communities and genuine fans, while US law enforcement will lead security at stadiums and fan zones with limited UK police support on the ground.
UK Bars 2,318 Fans From World Cup Travel — Passports To Be Held Until July 19
More than 2,300 English soccer fans will not be able to travel to North America for the FIFA World Cup this summer -Credit:Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images(Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
The UK has barred 2,318 people subject to Football Banning Orders (FBOs) from travelling to the FIFA World Cup across the United States, Canada and Mexico. The Home Office says UK passport holders covered by FBOs must surrender their passports to police before the tournament; those documents will be retained until after the final on July 19. Holders of non‑UK passports remain subject to the travel restrictions but cannot be forced to hand over foreign travel documents.
How Football Banning Orders Work
FBOs are issued by courts in response to offences including violent conduct, public disorder, drug possession and ticket touting. Orders can remain in force for up to 10 years. Breaching an FBO is a criminal offence that can attract an unlimited fine and up to six months' imprisonment.
Government Rationale And Measures
Sarah Jones, Crime and Policing Minister: "The vast majority of football fans travel to support their team with pride and respect. But for the small minority of thugs who have let the side down in the past, we are clear: you are not welcome at this World Cup."
Officials say the measures are intended to protect local communities and ensure genuine supporters can enjoy matches without disruption. The government has also extended pub opening hours at home to give fans more time to gather and back the home nations safely.
Millions of fans are expected to arrive in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada from around the globe for the tournament -Credit:Hector Vivas/Getty Images
Security Preparations And International Cooperation
Authorities estimate roughly 65,000 supporters will travel from the UK to the tournament. Police have held briefings for England players, their families and agents on combating online abuse and racism during the competition. Only three UK police officers will travel to the United States to work alongside England supporters after US authorities declined to fund a larger UK deployment.
A White House World Cup Task Force spokesperson said stadium and fan‑zone security will be led by US law enforcement and that host cities have been encouraged to draw on the UK's experience in policing major international football events.
Scotland
Crime and policing are devolved matters in Scotland, so responsibility for tackling football‑related disorder there falls to the Scottish Government, which operates under a separate legal and enforcement framework.
Numbers At A Glance: 2,318 people subject to FBOs; UK passports held until July 19 for those covered by orders; about 65,000 UK fans expected to travel.
Help us improve.
