The English FA issues new rules regarding the pitch perimeter following a player's death

The authorities overseeing English football have issued new safety regulations concerning the brick or concrete walls surrounding pitches, following the death of former Arsenal academy player Billy Figar.

The 21-year-old Chichester City striker died after suffering a brain injury in September 2025 during a match against Wingate & Finchley in the semi-professional Isthmian League, which covers Greater London and the east and south-east of England.

The English Football League conducted a review of safety standards and published new guidelines for clubs in the lower divisions, stating that “the use of solid barriers made of brick, hollow concrete blocks, or concrete around pitches is no longer permitted.”

The English Football League said on Friday: “Any existing barriers made of brick, hollow concrete blocks, or concrete must be removed as soon as reasonably practicable, or covered with appropriate protective measures if removal is not possible for structural reasons.”

It added: “We have informed clubs at these levels that they must take action in light of these changes.”