All Premier League and Championship clubs will be permitted to incorporate safe standing areas in their stadiums as of the coming 2022/23 season onwards.
The UK government moved to end standing in the top two tiers of English football in the wake of the 1989 Taylor Report, which was the inquiry into the tragic Hillsborough disaster that caused the death of 97 Liverpool fans.
Many standing terraces up and down the country, including at Old Trafford, Anfield and Highbury, were soon converted into all-seated areas.
But safe standing movements have gathered pace in recent years and Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham and Cardiff all took part in a test scheme during the second half of the 2021/22 season, which saw rail seating installed in small sections of stadiums.
The safe standing areas sees safety rails installed in front of seats for fans to lean forward on.
Wolves, Brentford and QPR are now expected to join those already with safe standing areas next season, while a government statement confirmed Wembley will also create small safe standing areas for both sets of fans at domestic games later in the campaign.
Sports minister Nigel Huddleston said: “We’re confident now that we can roll out safe standing. We’ve engaged with lots of stakeholders, including importantly with Hillsborough families, because it’s really important that we do take everybody’s views and opinions on board.
“Fans want it, we can do it safely, and I think it’s a good day for football.”
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