- Wembley bosses have discussed turning the top tier into safe standing
- All of the 39,165 seats on Level 5 could be transformed into rail seating
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The prospect of Wembley’s entire top tier – close to half of the iconic stadium – being turned into safe standing has been discussed by officials.
While the FA say no plans are currently in place, Mail Sport understands that bosses are exploring ways to boost the atmosphere under the arch.
One option would be to turn all of the 39,165 seats on Level 5 into rail seating, which would allow fans to safely stand should they decide to do so.
A view is that such a move could create a cauldron of noise around the stadium which would improve decibel levels at cup finals and England matches.
Level 5 is often the area where seats are the last to go and such a move could make them more desirable. Currently there are small safe standing sections in the ‘home’ and ‘away’ sections behind both goals at the 90,000-capacity venue.
Officials have discussed turning Wembley’s entire top tier into safe standing in the future
Mail Sport understands bosses are exploring ways to boost the atmosphere under the arch
However, to extend that to a whole tier would be a major and drastic step. Football Association officials remain sensitive to what is an emotive issue following the Hillsborough Disaster in 1989.
They say that no current plans are in place and that it would be too early to say they are considering expanding the existing safe standing areas.
But insiders have disclosed that such a move, which would be complicated given the stadium also operates as a music venue, has been raised.
Any such change would need approval from a wide range of different authorities and comply with safety regulations.
Almost 40,000 seats, the entirety of Level 5, could be transformed into rail seating
Should they decide to press ahead – and should any such proposals get the green light – it could prove transformative and would undoubtedly provide a lift for the Three Lions.
Standing was outlawed in the top two tiers of English football following the 1989 tragedy, which resulted in the deaths of 97 Liverpool supporters following overcrowding on the Leppings Lane terrace and a subsequent, devastating crush.
However, following a trial that included both Manchester clubs in 2022 safe standing – effectively seats with rails – was introduced to the Premier League and Championship and is now commonplace at many grounds.
Such seats widely feature throughout European football, with Celtic the first British club to introduce them in 2016. Wembley will feature heavily at the 2028 European Championship, hosting both semis and the final.
