Introduction

The Football Association is receiving an increasing number of requests by/on behalf of overseas Football Associations eager to stage Friendly International matches in England.

Ten years ago this practice was extremely rare but, for a variety of reasons, England is proving an attractive location for many overseas Associations.

This may be increasingly evident as many English clubs celebrate their Centenary, countries celebrate independence and events such as, in 2007, the Confederation of African Football’s 50th anniversary.

Background

Since the establishment of The FA’s International Relations programme in 2000, requests from overseas National Associations have been considered favourably by The FA providing there was no adverse impact on English football.

Several National Associations have benefited from playing International Friendly matches in England. This has in turn benefited Premier League and Football League clubs whose foreign national team players have not had to travel to the other side of the world for a Friendly International.

Increasingly it is Match Agents who are leading the requests. There is a concern that this trend needs to be reviewed in order to ensure that there is a clear policy. Overseas Associations and host clubs in England also need to be aware of the basis upon which The FA will grant permission in the future.

FIFA Regulations require National Associations to seek The FA’s approval before they play in England. FIFA Statutes (Article 76.3) state:

“Members and their clubs may not play on the territory of another Member without the latter’s approval.”

In considering past requests, The FA Board has taken into account the following factors:

1. The timing of the proposed International Friendly and any impact on domestic football being played that day;

2. The safety and security issues around the proposed game;

3. The reasons for the request from overseas Associations and the benefits expected to accrue to those Associations and to The FA;

4. Any benefit to the Professional Game by having matches staged in England and thereby reducing travel of players with English clubs;

5. The benefit to The FA’s International Relations Strategy.

The FA also acknowledges the global nature of the modern game and that The FA itself may at times seek to play International Friendlies overseas.

Guidelines

1. The new guidelines are as follows:

a) National Associations (or Licensed Match Agents) must contact The FA before making any approach to clubs with regards to staging a match.

b) Notwithstanding exceptional circumstances, matches will only be approved if the following criteria are met:

i) that the game does not adversely impact domestic football at the following levels:

  • FA Premier League
  • Football League
  • Football Conference

ii) that it does not impact on England International Matches at home and away at the following levels:

  • Senior Men’s Team
  • Senior Women’s Team
  • U21 Team

iii) that matches will not be broadcast live in England unless specific permission is granted by The FA. Permission will not be granted if the broadcast overlaps with or might adversely affect any existing TV broadcast arrangements of England internationals, FA Premier League, Football League or Football Conference matches;

iv) that any Match Agent involved in arranging the game must be appropriately licensed by FIFA/UEFA/other Confederations;

v) that appropriate permissions are obtained, via the staging club, from Police and Local Authorities;

vi) that no overseas Association will be allowed to stage more than two International Friendly matches in England in any season, the season in this instance being defined as 10th August – 10th June;

vii) that the games are played in accordance with the Laws of the Game;

viii) that appropriate arrangements are made to ensure the payment of Match Officials. (Any other financial guarantees should be a matter for the staging club and match organisers).

2. With regard to Points ii) and iii) above, please note that permission will be granted as follows with regard to International Friendly Games being played in England:

a. England Senior Men’s Team & England Senior Women’s Team Home Fixtures - Midweek: 

  • No games to be played on the same day
  • No games to be broadcast on the same day

b. England Senior Men’s Team & England Senior Women’s Team Away Fixtures - Midweek:

  • Games may be played on the same day but not at the same time, unless without detriment to the England game
  • No games to be broadcast on the same day

c. England Senior Men’s Team & England Senior Women’s Team Home Fixtures - Weekend:

  • No games may be played on the same day
  • Games may be broadcast but not at the same time as the England game

d. England Senior Men’s Team & England Senior Women’s Team Away Fixtures – Weekend:

  • Games may be played on the same day but not at the same time
  • Games may be broadcast but not at the same time as the England game

e. England U21 Team Home Fixtures:

  • Games may be played on the same day
  • Games may not be broadcast at the same time as the England game

f. England U21 Team Away Fixtures:

  • Games may be played and broadcast on the same day

3. A minimum of 28 days notice should be given to The FA by any applicant.

4. All match requests should be directed to Sue Ball at The Football Association;

25 Soho Square
London
W1D 4FA.
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7745 4619 
Fax: +44 20 7745 5619 
Email: Sue.Ball@TheFA.com