Wembley Stadium bolsters security after Euro finals trouble

Daniel Sedlarevic11/09/2023 5:55 am09/09/2023

Image credit: UEFA

In reaction to the catastrophe of the England and Italy Euro 2020 final, Wembley Stadium is stepping up security around the storied venue with a number of additional measures, including a 3.6 metre surrounding fence.

After 2,000 ticketless fans pushed their way into the stadium, an impartial enquiry dubbed the incident ‘a source of national shame’. The enquiry commissioned by the Football Association (FA) and led by Baroness Casey came to the conclusion that the horrifying image was caused by a “collective failure” of groups engaged in game planning.

At the entrance of Club Wembley, new fencing, a gated entryway, and enclosed roller shutters will be constructed – in order to prevent unauthorised or un-ticketed individuals from being able to force entry to the stadium from the Olympic Steps. This action is necessary as Wembley is a prestigious stadium and should not be associated with any controversy or catastrophes. Upgrading the stadium security will aim to ensure events such as what occurred at the Euro 2020 final does not take place again.

Wembley Stadium finished phase one of the renovations last year, which included sturdier locks on all perimeter doors and more secure turnstiles and accessible entries. More than 50 Hi-Resolution CCTV cameras were installed to a new command and control hub.

The following round of upgrades will begin in the fall. Once finished, an estimated $8.4 million will have been used to improve security surrounding the stadium.

“Wembley Stadium has a regular schedule of investment works to maintain industry leading facilities that attract world-class events. The latest planning approval enables us to implement the next phase of our security enhancements,” Stadium Director Liam Boylan stated via press release.

“This includes recommendations included in the Baroness Casey Review, and additional measures, which will ensure Wembley Stadium continues to be a safe and secure venue for all our guests.”

As is football in Australia, tickets were sold primarily online. Wembley should continue to do this as it is the most effective way of selling tickets, however more may need to be done in making it clear that tickets are sold out online to ensure fans are aware and do not become frustrated in anyway.

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Victory unites with Roasting Warehouse in culture-led partnership

Patrick Irving16/04/2026 8:55 am16/04/2026

Image credit: Melbourne Victory

The Melbourne-based anf family-owned business will join the Victory family, uniting two institutions which represent the city’s culture and identity.

A partnership with local roots

As the newest partner of Melbourne Victory, Roasting Warehouse joins forces with a vital part of the city’s sporting landscape.

The club’s Managing Director, Caroline Carnegie, outlined why the partnership bears so much value to both parties.

“We are excited to collaborate with Roasting Warehouse, a community-oriented destination for high-quality coffee, proud of its foundations in Melbourne,” said Carnegie via official media release.

“Football and coffee sit at the epicentre of Melbourne’s culture. The two go hand-in-hand, consistently at the centre of the conversation that stirs Melburnians, which is no different to the conversation sport and Melbourne Victory stir in the State.”

Indeed, this is a partnership which combines the identity, passions and culture of an entire city, therefore giving it the foundations required for long-term, mutual success.

Representing the best of Melbourne

Both Victory and Roasting Warehouse are hugely successful in their respective industries. They are institutions with community-oriented philosphies, who pride themselves on craft and quality.

“We’re incredibly proud to partner with Melbourne Victory, a club that represents the heart, passion, and ambition of Melbourne,” revealed Roasting Warehouse Head of Brand, Alexander Paraskevopoulos.

“As a Melbourne-founded, family-run business, supporting a team that means so much to the local community feels very natural for us.”

Furthermore, through their high-quality blends, Roasting Warehouse will look to prepare Victory’s players and staff for high performances on the pitch as the seasons nears completion.

But this is about far more than just fueling athletes.

This is a partnership which embodies and unites two of Melbourne’s greatest strengths and cultural markers – a connection forged from the city’s very own DNA.

For more information about Roasting Warehouse, click here.

Marie-Louise Eta makes history as new Union Berlin head coach

Patrick Irving15/04/2026 6:05 am14/04/2026

Image credit: FC Union Berlin

In an historic appointment, Eta will take over as head coach of Union Berlin until the end of the season.

History in the making

Previously the first female assistant coach in Bundesliga history with Union Berlin, Eta will now take the reigns of the men’s first team on an interim basis.

Currently, the club sit in 11th place in the Bundesliga table, but with only two wins so far in 2026, relegation appears an all-too-real prospect, and one which the club is desperate to avoid.

“Given the points gap in the lower half of the table, our place in the Bundesliga is not yet secure,” said Eta via official media release.

‘I am delighted that the club has entrusted me with this challenging task. One of Union’s strengths has always been, and remains, the ability to pull together in such situations.”

Eta will begin as Union’s new head coach with immediate effect, and will be in the dugout for the club’s matchup against Wolfsburg this weekend.

A step into an equal future

Eta’s appointment signals a major step towards a more level playing field in the football landscape.

Furthermore, Eta joins other coaches including Sabrinna Wittmann, Hannah Dingley and Corinne Diacre who, in recent years, have blazed a trail for female coaches to step into the men’s game.

Wittmann currently manages FC Ingolstadt in Germany’s third division, and was the first female head coach in Germany’s top three divisions.

In 2023, Dingley became caretaker manager of Forest Green Rovers, and thus the first woman to lead a men’s professional team in England.

Diacre, now head coach of France’s women’s national team, managed Ligue 2’s Clerment Foot between 2014 and 2017.

Final thoughts

The impact therefore, is that Eta’s appointment will show future generations of aspiring female coaches that men’s football is an equally viable and possible pathway as the women’s game.

The time is now to level the playing field.

And while it may be a short-term role, its effect on attitudes towards equality and fair opportunities in the game will hopefully resonate long after the season ends.