Football authorities in England have decided to end the practice of holding pre-match tributes, such as moments of silence, for global events that are not directly connected to the sport.
The move follows the establishment of a dedicated committee by the Premier League, the Football Association (FA), and the English Football League (EFL). This group was tasked with reviewing how the game acknowledges major world events, including acts of terrorism and natural disasters.
The decision addresses recent scrutiny over which incidents have warranted official commemorations. Under the new guidelines, a formal minute’s silence will be reserved only for tragedies with a clear and strong link to football.
This policy shift comes after previous controversies. For instance, the FA faced debate for its decision not to light the Wembley Stadium arch following a specific international attack, having illuminated it previously for other causes. The FA has stated its arch-lighting policy will now focus solely on sporting and entertainment events.
The change is expected to grant individual clubs greater autonomy in deciding how to mark events within their own communities. A recent example saw no league-wide tribute for victims of a terror attack, though several clubs in the affected region chose to hold their own commemorations.
For events of profound national significance, such as the passing of a senior royal, it is anticipated that government guidance would be issued to the sporting bodies. The new framework will not alter long-standing traditions like Remembrance Sunday tributes, nor will it restrict symbolic player-led gestures, such as taking the knee.