Football authorities in England have approved strict new safety regulations banning the use of solid concrete barriers around the perimeter of stadiums, following the tragic death of young player Billy Figgar.
This decision came after a comprehensive review by the English Football Association, following the death of Chichester City striker Billy Figgar (21) and former Arsenal academy star, in September 2025.
The decision follows the fatal incident involving Billy Vigar at the amateur level of English football.
Vigar suffered a severe brain injury during a game against Wingate & Finchley in the Esthetmian Regional League, with investigations suggesting the injury resulted from his collision with a concrete barrier.
Under the new guidelines targeting lower-division clubs (Levels 1-6 in the Men's National League, and Levels 3 and 4 in the Women's League), the use of barriers made of brick, hollow cement blocks, or concrete is strictly prohibited.
The English Football Association confirmed in a statement that clubs must remove these solid barriers as soon as possible, or provide appropriate protection and lining for them if removing them presents a structural challenge, stressing the need for clubs to comply with these immediate modifications to protect players and prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
