The Premier League has announced new measures to combat crowd trouble, including football-wide bans for pitch invaders, starting next season. The decision, made at the league's annual general meeting, also includes a commitment to cap away ticket prices at £30 until 2025, enshrining this in the rulebook.
Chief executive Richard Masters emphasised the need to protect players, managers, and officials, stating, “Supporters must be reminded it is illegal to enter the pitch at any time... under no circumstance should players, managers, match officials or staff fear for their safety.” The league also reported an increase in the use of pyrotechnics and missiles, which are criminal offences and can cause serious injury.
The AGM also addressed strategic issues such as ownership rules and financial redistribution. While no formal resolution was reached, there is support among clubs for limiting debt from leveraged buyouts, but a ban on nation-state ownership is unlikely. The Premier League plans to revise its owners and directors test, with further talks in autumn, and an owners pledge supporting sporting merit and anti-discrimination is expected to be signed soon.
Additionally, the league confirmed it will suspend its six-year TV rights deal with Russian broadcaster Match TV due to the invasion of Ukraine.
