Football Supporters Europe (FSE) welcomes UEFA’s decision to extend its Standing Facilities Observer Programme into the 2026/27 season, following approval by the UEFA Executive Committee earlier today. The decision means more fans will have the choice of enjoying European football in standing sections from next season.
Highlights:
- Standing Facilities Observer Programme now extended across UEFA Club Competitions and national team matches in both men’s and women’s game – all fans will have the same opportunities, regardless of who they support
- All UEFA nations now have a clear pathway to implement safe standing in UEFA competitions over the coming years
The ten nations currently participating in the programme (Austria, Belgium, England, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Scotland and Spain) will continue to be permitted to use standing facilities in home and away sections in UEFA competitions next season. The decision has also extended standing to include qualification rounds, national team matches, across both men’s and women’s football.
While Italy, Portugal, and Spain have been included in the programme, domestic legislations or infrastructure restrictions unfortunately continue to prevent the implementation of standing sectors. FSE hopes the programme’s continued positive findings will help drive further progress in removing these barriers that limit fans’ choices.
Nations that have not yet participated in the programme, but which have permitted standing in their domestic top division for at least the past three years, will be eligible to apply to introduce standing sections in UEFA competitions from 1st September 2026. Nations that do not yet meet those criteria will be able to prepare and apply to join the programme ahead of the 2027/28 season.
The latest renewal follows the successful 2024–2026 phase of the observer programme. Extensive stakeholder consultation took place throughout the period, involving FSE, UEFA Member Associations, European Football Clubs (EFC), and European Leagues. FSE looks forward to continuing this constructive engagement with UEFA over the 2026-27 season.
Following the decision, Ronan Evain, FSE’s Executive Director, said: “Standing at matches has an enormously positive effect on atmosphere at European matches. It is a huge part of supporter culture and tradition across the continent. We value the recognition of this contribution by UEFA and other European football stakeholders, as well as the continued cooperation in recent years to deliver this. There should be a space for everyone in stadiums, regardless of how they support their team.”
“We are grateful for UEFA’s evidence-based approach and consultation with the key parties concerned, including supporters. We are pleased that the findings have validated the concept, and that countries already taking part can continue to do so, including at national level too, while others now have a pathway to follow opening the door to better matchday experiences for more supporters.”
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