Legal Update - 21 February 2026
The Football Spectators (2026 FIFA World Cup Control Period) Order 2026 is in force from 21 February 2026. This prescribes the control order period under the Football Spectators Act 1989 for the 2026 FIFA World Cup sporting event as between 1 June 2026 and 19 July 2026 (the date on which the last match is finished or cancelled).
During the control period, the powers under sections 21A (power of detention for deciding whether to issue a notice of referral to court) and 21B (power to issue notice to appear at a magistrates court and apply conditions around travel and passport surrender) of the Act are exercisable.
Individuals subject to a banning order may be required to surrender their passports under section 19. Bail conditions requiring passport surrender may also be imposed under sections 14A (banning orders made on conviction of an offence) and 14B (banning orders made on complaint).
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