Football Association bans solid perimeter walls after Vigar's death
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 7, 2026, 1:24 PM
Last updated Aug 7, 2026
The Football Association has implemented a ban on solid perimeter walls around pitches following a safety review triggered by the death of former Arsenal youth player Billy Vigar. Vigar, who was 21, died from a significant brain injury sustained during a match in September 2025, likely due to colliding with a concrete wall. The ban affects the National League system and the Women's National League, with clubs required to remove or protect existing barriers. Matches can continue at these grounds if safety assessments are conducted. Funding will be provided to assist clubs in making these changes.
- •Billy Vigar died from a brain injury in September 2025.
- •The ban affects steps 1-6 of the National League and tiers 3-4 of the Women's National League.
- •Clubs must remove or cover existing solid barriers promptly.
- •Clubs can continue playing if they assess safety on an ongoing basis.
- •The FA and Premier League will provide funding for the changes.
- 4:20 PMYahoo Sports — FA announces new rules on pitchside walls after death of former Arsenal youth player
- 1:24 PMBBC Sport — Perimeter walls around pitches banned after Vigar death
"Clubs in the National League system must remove brick or concrete walls around pitches or use padding to cover them following a safety review prompted by the death of Chichester City forward Billy Vigar.
"The Football Association has banned solid perimeter walls around pitches after a safety review following the death of former Arsenal youth player Billy Vigar.
"Billy Vigar, 21, died in September last year after suffering a brain injury when he collided with a concrete barrier trying to keep a ball in play
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 7, 2026, 4:20 PMFA announces new rules on pitchside walls after death of former Arsenal youth player
Billy Vigar, 21, died in September last year after suffering a brain injury when he collided with a concrete barrier trying to keep a ball in play
- BBC SportAug 7, 2026, 1:24 PMPerimeter walls around pitches banned after Vigar death
The Football Association has banned solid perimeter walls around pitches after a safety review following the death of former Arsenal youth player Billy Vigar.
- Sky Sports Football—New rules on pitchside walls after death of former Arsenal youth player
Clubs in the National League system must remove brick or concrete walls around pitches or use padding to cover them following a safety review prompted by the death of Chichester City forward Billy Vigar.
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