British fans face fines in Spain for wearing England shirts during World Cup
British football supporters heading to Spain for the World Cup could find themselves hit with fines reaching £500 simply for wearing their England shirts in popular tourist spots like Benidorm, reports BritPanorama.
The tournament is scheduled to commence on 11 June, with England’s opening fixture set for six days later, attracting thousands of fans to Spanish coastal resorts to watch the matches. Anticipation for the event has heightened concerns over local regulations aimed at curbing behaviour associated with excessive tourism.
Influencer Harry Poulton, who moved from Brighton to Benidorm, noted, “You could get fined up to £500 for wearing an England football top this summer here in Benidorm.” He further added that discussions are ongoing about certain areas in Spain where football shirts may be unwelcome.
This clothing restriction forms part of a broader initiative by Spanish authorities to address issues related to boozy tourists. Beyond football shirts, penalties also apply to individuals spotted wearing swimwear or remaining shirtless away from beach areas.
Reports indicate that such regulations are not new; in 2022, several restaurants in Playa de Palma, Majorca, enforced a ban on entry for anyone wearing football shirts, insisting that only “simple clothing” be permitted. Their aim was to maintain a more respectful atmosphere for all patrons.
One Sure Insurance remarked to Birmingham Live that they are witnessing an increase in British tourists travelling to Spain to enjoy the World Cup matches. This surge has reportedly led to growing bans on clothing items connected to football, reflecting efforts to foster a more pleasant environment.
Authorities are preparing a substantial security presence in Benidorm ahead of the World Cup, responding to the expected influx of English supporters. The Costa Blanca resort is emerging as a popular choice among fans seeking alternatives to witnessing the matches elsewhere, with many opting out of attending the World Cup in-person due to exorbitant ticket prices hitting up to £8.5 million.
Poulton suggested that the clothing restrictions might also be a preventative measure against potential violence, saying, “Maybe they want you to wear the Spanish football top.”
The combination of these measures underscores how host nation Spain is seeking to balance welcoming football fans while maintaining order during a high-profile international event.
As the tournament approaches, the juxtaposition of tradition and modern fan behaviour comes into sharper focus, reminding us how culture and sports intersect in often surprising ways.
