Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

TheFSA @thefsa.bsky.social · 5h

It's #WorldMentalHealthDay and FSA National Council member Andrew Madaras tells us why football is an important vehicle for mental health conversations…

thefsa.org.uk/news/world-m...

World Mental Health Day 2025 - Football Supporters' Association

Ahead of World Mental Health Day 2025 tomorrow (Friday 10th October) FSA National Council member Andrew Madaras tells us why football is an important vehicle for mental health conversations as our wor...

thefsa.org.uk

1

TheFSA @thefsa.bsky.social · 1d

Nominations for the FSA Awards are open now - we've got categories for all your football favourites, from players and pundits to podcasts and fanzines. Let us know who you think should be up for a gong in December at the link below, and help us spread the word... thefsa.org.uk/news/nominat...

Gary Neville with his Pundit of the Year award on stage with Victoria Derbyshire

TheFSA @thefsa.bsky.social · 7d

More:

thefsa.org.uk/news/astonis...

"Astonishing" World Cup ticket prices revealed - Football Supporters' Association

FIFA’s presale for World Cup 2026 tickets has revealed just how expensive the tournament could be for supporters – and now England fans are calling on the FA to lobby FIFA for fairer prices.

thefsa.org.uk

1 1

TheFSA @thefsa.bsky.social · 7d

FIFA's presale for World Cup 2026 tickets has revealed just how expensive the tournament could be for supporters - and we're calling on the FA to lobby FIFA for fairer prices #FIFAWorldCup #WC2026

Thomas Concannon, who leads the FSA’s England Fans’ Embassy, said:

“These prices are astonishing - $2,000 for the cheapest final ticket is unacceptable.

“If fans are successful in obtaining a category four ticket from the first game to the last, that could set them back $3,180 at least. That is more than double what Qatar cost.

“Combined with travel to the Americas and accommodation, this will be the most expensive World Cup for matchgoing fans we've ever seen by some distance.

“A healthy allocation of the lowest category of tickets should be made available to participating nations that are not affected by host city location or dynamic pricing.

“Additionally, participating nation tickets should be located in key areas directly behind the goals to provide the best possible backing to their teams.

“We'd urge the FA to work with other nations around the world to put pressure on FIFA to keep this World Cup financially accessible for matchgoing fans.”

2 3 5

TheFSA @thefsa.bsky.social · 28d

FIFA's latest cash grab tactic - surge pricing - risks pricing out the fans that make the tournament what it is as NYC's next mayor calls for an end to the practice and a price cap on resales: thefsa.org.uk/news/nycs-ne...

NYC's next mayor to oppose World Cup surge pricing - Football Supporters' Association

One of the leading candidates to be New York City’s next mayor has started a petition against FIFA’s plans to use surge or dynamic pricing at next year’s World Cup.

thefsa.org.uk

2

TheFSA @thefsa.bsky.social · Aug 28

The European commissioner for intergenerational fairness, youth, culture and sport Glenn Micallef also spoke out about the plans this week - "Moving competitions abroad isn’t innovation, it’s betrayal," he said.

1

TheFSA @thefsa.bsky.social · Aug 28

"European teams should play in Europe” – UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin has spoken out as La Liga and Serie A push for overseas competitive fixtures: thefsa.org.uk/news/europea...

"European teams should play in Europe" - UEFA president - Football Supporters' Association

A president Aleksander Čeferin has spoken out against competitive fixtures being played overseas, telling Politico on Wednesday that “European teams should play in Europe”.

thefsa.org.uk

1 1 4

TheFSA @thefsa.bsky.social · Aug 20

Australian fans latest to speak out against overseas games with national fan group Football Supporters Association Australia saying they have "deep concerns" about Serie A's proposal for a competitive fixture on Australian soil: thefsa.org.uk/news/austral...

Australian fans latest to speak out against overseas games - Football Supporters' Association

Australian football supporters are the latest to speak out against competitive overseas fixtures as Italy’s top division seeks to relocate a game to Perth.

thefsa.org.uk

2 4

TheFSA @thefsa.bsky.social · Aug 7

Following news reports this week that Cheshire Police plan to expand their use of DNA spray technology during their football policing operations, we have issued the following statement.

Chief executive of the FSA Kevin Miles issued the following statement:

“We have serious concerns about police forces deploying largely unproven technologies against matchgoing fans.

“Misuse or inconsiderate deployment of DNA spray by officers could see innocent bystanders caught up in criminal justice procedures in which they have no reason to be entangled.

“The arrest stats continue to show that football is an overwhelmingly safe activity – with just 5.5 arrests per 100,000 spectators last year. So we have to ask: is this necessary and is this proportionate?

“What is particularly disappointing to us – at a time when Government has legislated to ensure fans have a voice in the game – is the total absence of consultation by the police.”

5 7

TheFSA @thefsa.bsky.social · Aug 5

“We are famed for our incredible support, let’s display that we have had enough" - #SWFC fans have announced plans for a protest at the start of their season opener away at #LCFC as the club’s future remains in the balance: thefsa.org.uk/news/sheffie...

Sheffield Wednesday crisis: Protest planned for season opener - Football Supporters' Association

Sheffield Wednesday fans have announced plans for a protest at the start of their season opener away at Leicester City as the club’s future remains in the balance.

thefsa.org.uk

TheFSA @thefsa.bsky.social · Aug 1

The crisis at Morecambe has deepened this week, with the club facing the very real prospect of folding before they kick a ball in anger in the 2025-26 season. We continue to support our members at the Shrimps Trust: thefsa.org.uk/news/crisis-...

Crisis at Morecambe leaves the club on the brink - Football Supporters' Association

The crisis at Morecambe has deepened this week, with the National League club facing the very real prospect of folding before they kick a ball in anger in the 2025-26 season.

thefsa.org.uk

1 4

TheFSA @thefsa.bsky.social · Jul 25

"We are working together to inform fans as much as possible."

This summer supporter representatives from the FSA’s various networks have continued to build relationships with the game’s match officials: thefsa.org.uk/news/work-bu...

Referees and fan reps build on relationship - Football Supporters' Association

This summer supporter representatives from the FSA’s various networks have continued to build relationships with the game’s match officials.

thefsa.org.uk

1

TheFSA @thefsa.bsky.social · Jul 24

"Ultimately this is about offering supporters choice at the match and it’s great to see women’s football continue to lead the way."

The alcohol-in-the-stands pilot in women's football is set to expand for 2025-26 - thefsa.org.uk/news/womens-...

Women's game alcohol pilot expands for 2025-26 - Football Supporters' Association

A pilot allowing supporters in the women’s game to drink alcohol in the stands is set to expand for the coming 2025-26 season.

thefsa.org.uk

2

TheFSA @thefsa.bsky.social · Jul 18

You have to get to the fourth para before this article even mentions that football arrests are DOWN by 11%.

Another stat:

- 4.2 arrests per 100,000 at football.
- 14.8 arrests per 100,000 at Glastonbury.

Where's the BBC article on that?

www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...

Police report 18% rise in disorder at football matches during 2024-25 season

Latest Home Office figures show the number of football matches in England and Wales with reported incidents of disorder increased by 18% during the 2024-25 season.

www.bbc.co.uk

8 29 50

TheFSA @thefsa.bsky.social · Jul 18

“It was a blast” – Wales Women head home but fans take pride in first Euros

Great article by Wal Goch y Menywod (Wales Women’s Red Wall) and Cymru Women’s Supporters Group who were out in Switzerland helping travelling fans.

@wmenywod.bsky.social

thefsa.org.uk/news/it-was-...

"It was a blast" - Wales Women head home but fans take pride in first Euros - Football Supporters' Association

This year’s Euros was the first time Wales Women have qualified for the competition and FSA member groups Wal Goch y Menywod (Wales Women’s Red Wall) and Cymru Women’s Supporters Group were out in Swi...

thefsa.org.uk

4 8

TheFSA @thefsa.bsky.social · Jul 17

Tickets, TV timelines and transport.

Clubs want TV's billions and thus play games all over the calendar but there are ways they could use that money to help supporters.

Here are 4 ideas to make things better for matchgoers...

🔗 thefsa.org.uk/news/tickets...

Tickets, TV timelines and transport... - Football Supporters' Association

We’ve been contacted by supporters’ groups from numerous top-flight clubs who are still waiting on September’s TV fixtures to be released.

thefsa.org.uk

2 2

TheFSA @thefsa.bsky.social · Jul 11

We are not opposed to the 3pm blackout, but we are currently pulling together some work in that area.

TheFSA @thefsa.bsky.social · Jul 11

This weekend the FSA, along with our friends at the national mental health charity @mind.org.uk, will be launching a new mental health campaign at our community-owned clubs #YouAreEnough: thefsa.org.uk/news/support...

#YouAreEnough: Fan-led mental health drive launches this weekend - Football Supporters' Association

This weekend the FSA, along with our friends at the national mental health charity Mind, will be launching a new mental health campaign at our community-owned clubs.

thefsa.org.uk

1 4

TheFSA @thefsa.bsky.social · Jul 8

The Football Governance Bill is in Parliament today in its very final stages.

We're proud of our role in making it happen!

❌ Stops clubs joining Euro Super League
🏟️ "Heritage" protections
👤 Independent Regulator
📝 Improved supporter engagement

thefsa.org.uk/news/game-ch...

Game changer: The FSA's role in the Football Governance Bill - Football Supporters' Association

The Football Governance Bill continues to work its way through Parliament and Football Supporters’ Association reps have been working closely with officials in the Department for Culture, Media and Sp...

thefsa.org.uk

1 6

TheFSA @thefsa.bsky.social · Jun 28

Cymru / Wales Guide to Switzerland – out now!

We've teamed up with the Welsh FA and supporters' groups including @wmenywod.bsky.social to produce a free Guidebook for the travelling Red Wall when they head to the Euros in July.

#WEURO2025 #TheRedWall #Cymru

🔗 thefsa.org.uk/news/cymru-w...

Magazine front cover featuring players from Wales Women team.

1 2

TheFSA @thefsa.bsky.social · Jun 27

We are calling for an immediate freeze on the use of facial recognition technology by football clubs at the turnstiles.

Supporters demand meaningful dialogue over the ethics, legality, proportionality and fairness of its use: thefsa.org.uk/news/facial-...

Facial recognition turnstiles: Why supporters should be concerned - Football Supporters' Association

Earlier this month, FSA members approved a motion at our AGM to oppose the introduction of facial recognition technology at the turnstiles in the English game.

thefsa.org.uk

6 11

TheFSA @thefsa.bsky.social · Jun 26

Cymru / Wales Women Euros Guidebook – coming soon!

We're very proud to have teamed up with a range of partners to produce a free Guidebook for the travelling Red Wall when they head to Switzerland in July.

#WEURO2025 #TheRedWall #Cymru

🔗 thefsa.org.uk/news/cymru-w...

Cymru / Wales Women Guidebook - coming soon! - Football Supporters' Association

Back in December Cymru/Wales Women qualified for their first ever major international championships – the UEFA Women’s Euros which takes place in Switzerland throughout July.

thefsa.org.uk

TheFSA @thefsa.bsky.social · Jun 23

Supporter representatives from the our Premier League Network met with PL officials in May to discuss a range of critical issues – including ticketing, the independent regulator, fixture scheduling and more. Minutes are now available: thefsa.org.uk/news/fan-rep...

Fan reps meet Premier League – May 2025 - Football Supporters' Association

Supporter representatives from the FSA’s Premier League Network met with top-flight officials in May to discuss a range of critical issues – including ticketing, the independent regulator, fixture sch...

thefsa.org.uk

2 2

TheFSA @thefsa.bsky.social · Jun 20

We're proud to announce a new partnership with @mind.org.uk‬ to promote mental health awareness across our community-owned clubs’ network.

It's inspired by Dunstable Town's #youareenough campaign.

thefsa.org.uk/news/mental-...

Mental health matters: FSA and Mind partnership - Football Supporters' Association

The FSA is proud to announce that it has agreed a partnership with the UK’s largest mental health charity, Mind, to promote mental health awareness across the community owned clubs’ network and among…

thefsa.org.uk

1

TheFSA @thefsa.bsky.social · Jun 19

The FSA is by fans, for fans and free to join. FSA wins:

✅ Defending fans rights
✅ European Super League defeated
✅ PL £30 away cap
✅ Safe standing
✅ 7000 more FA Cup final tickets to fans
✅ Access to legal help
✅ Helping clubs in crisis

thefsa.org.uk/join/

Join - Football Supporters' Association

Individual membership of the FSA is free.

thefsa.org.uk

1