Football clubs have been warned over security companies attempting to cash in ahead of an incoming law aimed at reducing the threat of terror attacks.
Our Inside Sport column reported on Sunday how the matchday experience for fans across the country could soon change following the introduction of Martyn’s Law.
Named after Martyn Hett, a victim of the 2017 Manchester Arena attack which claimed the lives of 22 concert goers, legislation has now been given Royal Assent and is expected to come into force within the next two years.
Aimed at preventing further attacks, it will see any venue which admits more than 800 people deemed ‘enhanced duty’ and likely to be subject to more stringent security measures such as increased ticket and bag checks.
Concerns have been raised over the prospect of an additional cost for such ramped-up security measures, especially at clubs who are struggling financially. The likelihood of longer waits to enter grounds has also been discussed.
And it can now be revealed that the EFL has now written to its clubs to warn of the ‘rising prevalence of security companies and consultants offering their services to support businesses with the requirements’.
Plans for more stringent fan safety measures at Premier League and EFL clubs are set to come over the next two years after legislation has now been given Royal Assent for Martyn’s Law
Aimed at reducing the threat of terror attacks, under Martyn’s Law, any venue which admits more than 800 people deemed ‘enhanced duty’ will likely see increased ticket and bag checks
Prime Minister Keir Starmer with the mother and step-father of Martyn Hett who died in 2017
Hett was a victim of the 2017 Manchester Arena attack which claimed the lives of 22 concert goers
In an email seen by Mail Sport, league bosses add that clubs ‘should be wary of committing to further expenditure’, seemingly raising the alarm against firms seeking to cash in.
Over the coming two years, both the EFL and Premier League will liaise with their clubs as they prepare for compliance. Any issues faced by sides will be raised in high-level discussions with the Home Office.
For their part, the Home Office will publish statutory guidance to assist those involved to understand how they can meet the requirements of the legislation.
The Security Industry Authority will be the regulator for Martyn’s Law, and they will publish operational guidance explaining how they will discharge their duties.
Previously, the Home Office has said that the intention of Martyn’s Law, also known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, is to ‘improve protective security and organisational preparedness across the UK by requiring that those responsible for certain premises and events consider how they would respond to a terrorist attack’.