By Tim Parsons-
More than 1,600 football fans across England and Wales with football banning orders are being instructed to hand in their passports.
This unprecedented measure aims to safeguard the integrity of the tournament and ensure the safety of fans and players alike.
Policing Minister Chris Philp emphasized the need to maintain a peaceful atmosphere during the tournament, stating, “Violence, abuse, and disorder have no place in the game we love.”
The initiative requires fans to surrender their UK passports from June 4 until the conclusion of Euro 2024 on July 14. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in severe penalties, including up to six months in prison.
Philp reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining order, stating, “The vast majority of fans are law-abiding, but we will have zero tolerance for those who disrupt this incredible event.”
The measures are intended to enable genuine football enthusiasts to travel safely to the tournament while deterring hooligans from engaging in criminal behaviour abroad.
Euro 2024, scheduled from June 14 to July 14, is anticipated to draw football fans from across Europe.
However, those subject to banning orders must adhere to strict guidelines to prevent them from attending the event.
Individuals who fail to comply or attempt to travel to Germany or surrounding countries will face substantial fines or imprisonment.
In addition to passport surrender, police will be granted enhanced powers to intercept known troublemakers, with immediate banning order hearings scheduled within 24 hours.
This proactive approach aims to pre-emptively address potential disruptions and maintain a secure environment throughout the tournament.
The decision to impose passport surrender follows similar measures implemented for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where over 1,300 fans were banned from attending.
Growing concerns over escalating incidents of violence and disorder at football matches in England and Wales were influential in arriving at the present decision.
Recent Home Office figures revealed a nine-year high in football-related arrests, highlighting the urgent need for decisive action to address the issue.
The imposition of passport surrender represents a proactive step towards deterring antisocial behaviour and ensuring a memorable and enjoyable experience for all participants and spectators.