As the excitement builds for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, authorities in the United Kingdom have issued a stern reminder that football-related misconduct has serious consequences. Around 150 fans of Chelsea and Manchester City with a history of violent or disruptive behavior have been banned from traveling to the U.S. for the tournament.

The ban, enforced under existing Football Banning Orders (FBOs), targets individuals previously convicted of offenses such as violence, disorder, pitch invasions, the use of pyrotechnics, and online hate crimes. These individuals are now required to surrender their passports between June 9 and July 13 the duration of the tournament or face legal penalties including an unlimited fine or up to six months in prison.

Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson commented on the decision, stating, “Many Manchester City and Chelsea fans will want to travel to support their teams in this summer's tournament, and we want them all to do so safely and enjoyably. But for the tiny minority of troublemakers who use football as an excuse for criminality, we will be applying the same proven preventative measures to ensure this event is free from violence and disorder.”

Both Chelsea and Manchester City secured their spots in the expanded 32-team Club World Cup by winning the UEFA Champions League in recent seasons. The two Premier League giants are scheduled to begin their group stage campaigns in U.S. cities such as Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Orlando.

Football Banning Orders are legal restrictions used in the UK to prevent individuals with a track record of football-related offenses from attending matches, both domestically and abroad. As of August 1, 2024, there were 2,172 active FBOs across England and Wales.

This latest move underlines the UK government’s commitment to safeguarding international tournaments and protecting the integrity of football. It also serves as a message to fans that their conduct, even at home, has far-reaching implications.

While the majority of fans from Chelsea and Manchester City will travel to the United States to support their clubs in good spirits, the ban ensures that those who have previously endangered the safety and experience of others will be kept far from the action. The message is clear: football is for everyone but only when it’s safe, respectful, and free of violence.