Wembley could be set for more safe standing as officials weigh up transforming almost 40,000 seats on the top tier – close to HALF the iconic stadium – in a bid to boost the atmosphere
- Wembley bosses have discussed making the top level a safe status
- All 39,165 seats on level 5 can be converted into rail seats
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The prospect of the entire top tier of Wembley – almost half of the iconic stadium – being given safe status has been discussed by officials.
Although the FA says there are currently no plans, Mailsport understands bosses are exploring ways to improve the atmosphere under the arch.
One option would be to convert all 39,165 seats on Level 5 to on-track seating, allowing fans to remain safely standing if they decide to do so.
It is believed that such a move could create a cauldron of noise around the stadium, which would improve decibel levels at cup finals and matches in England.
Level 5 is often the area where the seats come last and such a move could make them more desirable. There are currently small secure standing areas in the ‘home’ and ‘away’ sections behind both goals at the 90,000 capacity venue.
Officials have discussed putting the entire top tier of Wembley on secure status in the future
Mail Sport understands bosses are exploring ways to improve the atmosphere under the arch
However, it would be a big and drastic step to expand that to an entire level. Football Association officials remain sensitive to what is an emotional issue following the 1989 Hillsborough disaster.
They say there are no plans at the moment and it would be too early to say they are considering expanding the existing safe pitches.
But insiders have revealed that such a move, which would be complicated as the stadium also doubles as a music venue, has been considered.
Such a change would require approval from many different authorities and compliance with safety regulations.
Nearly 40,000 seats, all of level 5, could be converted into rail seats
Should they decide to proceed – and should such proposals be given the green light – it could prove transformative and undoubtedly provide a boost to the Three Lions.
Standing was banned in the top two tiers of English football after the 1989 tragedy, which resulted in the deaths of 97 Liverpool supporters due to overcrowding on the Leppings Lane terrace and a subsequent, devastating crush.
However, following a trial in which both Manchester clubs were given a safe seat – essentially chairs with rails – in 2022, it was introduced in the Premier League and Championship and is now commonplace in many areas.
Such seats can be found all over European football, with Celtic being the first British club to introduce them in 2016. Wembley will play a prominent role in the 2028 European Championship, hosting both the semi-finals and the final.