The British government has issued a directive requiring approximately 150 Chelsea and Manchester City supporters to hand over their passports ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup scheduled to take place in the United States from June 14 to July 13, 2025.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Home Office confirmed that the affected fans are under banning orders due to “previous thuggish behaviour” at football matches.
The offenses leading to the bans include:
“Violence, disorder, pitch invasions, use of pyrotechnics, and online hate crime.”
This move comes as part of newly updated legislation, which came into effect on Wednesday, specifically tailored to ensure security and order during the upcoming international tournament.
Both Chelsea and Manchester City earned their spots in the expanded Club World Cup by winning the UEFA Champions League within the last four seasons. They will represent the Premier League in the month-long competition, which will be held across 11 cities in the U.S.
The clubs are set to begin their campaigns with group stage matches in Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Orlando.
Under the new regulation, fans under active banning orders must surrender their passports at least five days before the tournament kicks off in Miami, where the opening ceremony is scheduled. The final match is expected to be held near New York.
This enforcement is seen as part of a broader strategy to combat football-related violence and maintain a positive global image of English football during international events.
