The Football Association has prohibited solid walls around the edges of pitches following a safety assessment prompted by the death of former Arsenal academy player Billy Vigar.
The 21-year-old passed away after suffering a serious brain injury while representing Chichester City at Wingate and Finchley FC in September 2025.
The injury is believed to have occurred when he struck a concrete wall.
Independent health and safety specialists carried out a review ahead of the 2026-27 season. Its findings state that solid barriers made from brick, breeze block or concrete are no longer allowed beside pitches in the men’s National League system from steps 1 to 6 or in the Women’s National League at tiers 3 and 4.
A statement from the governing body said existing brick, breeze-block and concrete barriers should be taken down as soon as reasonably possible. Where structural considerations prevent their removal, appropriate protective covering must be installed.
Clubs at the relevant levels have been notified if they need to make alterations under the updated requirements.
Games may continue at affected venues provided clubs regularly evaluate the safety of pitchside barriers and arrange for the necessary work to be completed within an appropriate period.
The Football Association and Premier League will offer financial support to help clubs complete the required improvements.
Following Vigar’s death, more than 4,000 people signed a petition seeking the removal of brick walls from the boundaries of football pitches.
In June 2023, the government and the Professional Footballers’ Association contacted the Football Association, Premier League, English Football League and National League, urging them to take stronger preventive measures to protect players from pitchside hazards.
The appeal followed an incident in November 2022 in which Bath City player Alex Fletcher fractured his skull after crashing into a concrete advertising structure during a match.
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