Cheshire Football Fans With Banning Orders Must Give Passports In

Football fans in Cheshire who have received banning orders must hand in their passports by the end of today (Tuesday).

As part of football legislation, those who have been punished must hand in their passport ahead of any major international football tournament. 

This year's World Cup in Russia begins on Thursday 14 July when the hosts take on Saudi Arabia. 

England begin their campaign four days later on Monday 18 July when they take on Tunisia. 

Anyone who fails to comply with the law faces being arrested. 

Superintendent Richard Rees, overseeing the Cheshire policing operation for the World Cup, said: “In the run-up to the World Cup we have contacted 23 Cheshire residents who have a football banning order and a passport asking them to hand it in to police.

“As part of football legislation anyone banned from matches must hand in their passport before an international football tournament begins. Anyone who fails to do so can face the prospect of being arrested.

“I would urge anyone with a football banning order to hand in your passport at your local police station on either Monday or Tuesday this week.”

The orders, which last a minimum of three years, can be granted by the courts when someone is convicted of a football related offence.

They are issued to help prevent violence and disorder at or in connection with football matches both at home and abroad.