FA Implements New Safety Rules After Player's Death

The Football Association (FA) has announced new safety regulations concerning brick and concrete perimeter walls around football pitches after the tragic death of Billy Vigar, a 21-year-old forward for Chichester City and former Arsenal youth player. Vigar died from a brain injury sustained during a match at Wingate and Finchley in north London in September 2025, believed to be caused by a collision with a concrete barrier.

Following a safety review, the FA has prohibited the use of solid brick, breeze block, or concrete barriers around pitches for clubs in the National League System for men (steps 1-6) and the Women’s National League (tiers 3-4). The FA stated that any existing solid barriers must be removed or covered with suitable protection if removal is not feasible for structural reasons.

Clubs at these levels have been informed of the required actions due to these changes.