Over 380 reports of domestic abuse linked to World Cup

The data was collected as part of a national policing strategy to better understand the link between football tournaments and domestic abuse.

As well as collecting data, the strategy also put a proactive plan in place to identify known perpetrators of abuse and implement safeguards to protect victims. This included:

• Gathering intelligence to cross reference people with football banning orders and a history of domestic abuse to identify victims who could be most at risk during the tournament.
• Having extra officers and specialist domestic abuse support workers on hand during match days to make sure victims get the fastest possible response.
• Maximising the use of protective orders, which can put restrictions on an offender’s behaviour to protect victims. This can include banning someone from entering a home, and even drinking alcohol on match days, and breaching those orders can result in arrest.

Assistant Commissioner Louisa Rolfe, national policing lead for domestic abuse, said: “Domestic abuse is a deeply ingrained problem that persists all year round.

“Football doesn't cause domestic abuse, but we know from victims that many things can influence their experience of abuse, particularly the consumption of alcohol and drugs at a time of heightened emotions.

“In recent years, police forces have gathered information on incidents reported during major football tournaments. The findings from this World Cup tells us that officers are better recognising the wider picture and circumstances around domestic abuse, which will help to strengthen our safeguarding and prevention efforts in the future.

“Alongside the brilliant charities who support victims and potential perpetrators, we've used the opportunity of the World Cup to raise awareness of domestic abuse and encourage victims to seek help. Increased reporting helps us to better understand how we can reduce the harm that still has far-reaching and severe consequences for so many.”

Tanisha Jnagel, Head of Helplines at Respect, said:

“During the World Cup, there was a 37% increase in calls to the Respect Phoneline, compared to the same timings last year. We know that football tournaments don't cause domestic abuse, but they can exacerbate it, and they're often combined with other risk factors – such as increased alcohol consumption and heightened emotions.

“As the UK’s only free, confidential helpline and webchat service for people who want to change their harmful behaviour in relationships, the Respect Phoneline advisors support people to take those first steps towards change, accountability and to prevent further harm. Ultimately, we’re here to make victims and survivors safer.”

*384 incidents of domestic abuse related to football were recorded by 43 police forces between 11 June and 20 July 2026. This does not represent the total of domestic abuse reports received during this time, only those that were recorded as football being an aggravating factor. The data will not represent the true picture of domestic abuse offending where football was an aggravating factor for several reasons: some victims may not recognise or disclose the link with football and officers may not always record the link.