Football Injury Claims

Like with all contact sports, there is always a risk of injury when playing football. Most incidents are part of the game and are nobody’s fault. However, if you suffered a football injury due to the negligence or intentional actions of a third party, you might be entitled to compensation.

Common scenarios that could lead to football injury compensation include poorly maintained pitches, bad advice from a coach and aggressive behaviour from players or spectators. Accidents during football games can lead to a wide range of injuries, including concussions, sprains, strains, fractures and lacerations.

To find out more about making a football injury claim, please call 0800 470 0474 today to discuss your case with a friendly legal adviser. If you would prefer one of our advisers to give you a call back, simply enter your details into our contact form.

If you have a valid case, the solicitors we work with will offer you a no win no fee* service, so you can claim compensation without taking any financial risks and with no upfront payments. You only pay your solicitor if they win your claim. Otherwise, you won’t pay a penny.

Find out if you can claim

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By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by our partners. Find out how we handle your data in our privacy policy. With no win no fee you typically pay 25% of your compensation if your claim is successful, but the fee can vary. Termination fees may apply if you fail to co-operate with your solicitor.

Table of Contents

• Can I make a football injury claim?
• Evidence to support football injury compensation claims
• Types of football injuries you could claim compensation for
• Common circumstances leading to a football injury claim
• Can I make a football injury compensation claim on behalf of my child?
• Can I claim compensation if I was injured watching a football match?
• How much football injury compensation could I receive?
• Time limit to make a football injury claim
• We can help you make a No Win No Fee claim

Can I make a football injury claim?

If you have been injured playing football, either as a professional, a Sunday league player, playing 5-a-side football or while having a casual kickabout with friends, you might be eligible for compensation. A free case assessment with a legal adviser is the quickest way to determine if you have a valid claim. They will decide if your case has merit by verifying whether:

• The defendant owed you a legal duty of care
• They breached this duty of care by committing an act of negligence or wrongdoing
• Their actions caused an accident or incident during a game of football
• You sustained an injury or injuries as a result

A duty of care might not be immediately clear, but it is not something you should worry about. Your personal injury solicitor will refer to the relevant legislation, such as the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957, to prove your accident was due to negligence. They will also help figure out who may be liable to pay your compensation. Based on the circumstances of your football injury, this could be:

• An insurance policy paid through subscriptions fees
• A public liability insurance held by a third party, such as a football club, sports facility or event organiser
• The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), if you were the victim of an assault

If you have a valid football injury claim, your solicitor will help you gather all the evidence you need to proceed. You can read more about what proof might be helpful to support your case in the section below.

Evidence to support football injury compensation claims

To make a successful football injury claim, you must prove that your injury was due to someone else’s conduct. The list of evidence your personal injury lawyer could use to secure compensation includes:

• Photographic evidence. If your injury was due to damaged equipment, an unsafe pitch or facility, damaged advertising boards or other hazards, take photographs before anything is moved or replaced.
• Video footage. If someone you know or other spectators have captured the incident on camera, you could use it as visual evidence of how you sustained your injury.
• Witness statements. You should ask for the names and contact details of any witnesses who could verify how the events occurred and help determine who might be liable for your injury.
• Medical evidence. If you were injured playing football, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible to ensure your condition does not worsen. Your medical records will provide evidence for the type and extent of the injuries you suffered and your prognosis.
• Police references. In case of football injury claims related to assaults, you must report the incident to the police and get a crime reference number. This is a requirement if you want to claim criminal injury compensation through the CICA.
• Accident reports. If you were injured in a sports centre or football ground, you should report any injuries sustained to the facility operator and make sure they log the details in an accident report form. You are entitled to ask for a signed copy of the report to prove the location, date and time of your injury.
• Your notes. Your memory of events and a statement of how your injuries have affected your life can also be used as evidence in a personal injury claim.
• Financial evidence. Keep all the evidence related to the financial losses or expenses you incurred after the football accident, such as receipts, wage slips and bank statements.

Once everything you need to prove liability and the losses you suffered has been gathered, your solicitor will contact the defendant. They will inform them of your allegations of negligence and outline the details of your case. If the third party admits liability, your solicitor will start negotiating the amount of compensation you should receive. Otherwise, you can use the available evidence to argue your case before a judge and seek justice in court. However, as more than 95% of all injury claims are settled without a trial, it is quite rare that you would need to go to court.

Types of football injuries you could claim compensation for

Common injuries in football can include:

• Sprains and strains. This is when the muscles or ligaments are torn or stretched, commonly caused by sudden movements or collisions with other players.
• Fractures. Broken bones can occur due to falls, tackles, or high-impact collisions during the game.
• Concussions. Head injuries, including concussions, can happen when football players collide or experience a blow to the head. This can often occur when two players are trying to head the ball. Concussions can have serious consequences and require proper medical attention.
• Contusions and bruises. Impact with other players or objects can lead to bruises and contusions, causing pain, swelling, and discolouration of the skin.
• Dislocations. Joints, such as the shoulder or knee, can become dislocated when subjected to forceful impacts or awkward movements. This can happen if studs get caught in the turf, causing joints to suddenly twist and pop out of position.
• Overuse injuries. These injuries result from repetitive motions or excessive strain on specific body parts, such as tendonitis (inflammation of tendons) or stress fractures.
• Ligament tears. Injuries to the ligaments, such as the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee, are common in football players and can occur due to sudden stops, twists, or changes in direction.
• Muscle strains. Pulling or tearing of muscles, often in the hamstrings, quads, or calf muscles, can occur during sprints or sudden movements.
• Meniscus tears. The meniscus, a cartilage in the knee, can be torn due to twisting or rotating the knee forcefully.
• Cuts and lacerations. These injuries involve breaks or openings in the skin, often caused by contact with objects or other players during the game.

Regardless of the type of injury you sustained, you might be eligible for compensation if it was caused by someone else’s negligence. The type and severity of the harm suffered will play an essential role in determining how much football injury compensation you may be able to claim from the defendant.

Common circumstances leading to a football injury claim

Common football incidents that might result in compensation include:

• Tackling or foul play. Most clubs are affiliated with the Football Association (FA) and have players sign a policy stating they will act within the game’s laws. If an opponent has intentionally or recklessly behaved in a way that caused you harm during a game, you may have grounds to claim compensation.
• Inadequate medical attention. If you suffer an injury during a football game and the medical attention provided is below the expected standard, this may result in further harm or complications. This could make you eligible to make a medical negligence claim.
• Negligence by coaches or officials. Coaches, referees and officials have to enforce the rules and regulations of the game to ensure the safety of players. Coaches are also expected to provide adequate training, instructions, safety guidelines and supervision during training and matches. You may have grounds for a claim if their negligence in these areas has led to an injury.
• Assaults. Assaults in football can occur in various forms, such as physical altercations between players or aggressive behaviour by spectators. Any form of assault in a football context is unacceptable and can entitle you to claim for any resulting injuries caused. As mentioned above, you must report any assault to the police in order to claim compensation.
• Faulty or dangerous equipment. During a football game, you may also suffer an injury due to damaged or poorly maintained equipment such as goalposts.
• Inadequate playing surfaces. The party responsible for the football pitch must take all reasonable measures to ensure it is safe to play on. If the grass or artificial turf is uneven, has holes, or is in a state of disrepair, it can cause players to trip, leading to injuries. Other hazards that could lead to accidents include lack of proper drainage, debris, rocks and other foreign objects, such as glass on the pitch.
• Poorly maintained venues. This includes broken or unstable seating, fencing, or barriers that can pose a danger to players and spectators. Inadequate lighting, debris, litter, and spillages can also cause injuries for which you could potentially start a claim for compensation.

If you have suffered a football injury due to these or any other circumstances where negligence is involved, you could be eligible for compensation. To find out if your case has merit, get in touch by calling 0800 470 0474 or request a call back today for free legal advice. A personal injury solicitor will assess your case during a free consultation. This is also a great opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have.

Can I make a football injury compensation claim on behalf of my child?

Yes, as a parent or legal guardian, you could be entitled to make a sports injury claim on behalf of your child. If they have suffered an injury due to somebody else’s negligence while playing football or at a football match, you may be able to claim compensation for their suffering and related losses.

To represent your child in a personal injury claim, the court must appoint you as their litigation friend. Your solicitor will assist you in preparing and submitting an application outlining why you are suitable for the role and providing any supporting documentation required.

The court will review your request and decide on your appointment as a litigation friend. If approved, you will be officially appointed and granted the authority to act on behalf of your child in the legal proceedings. This role brings several responsibilities, such as:

• Make decisions that are in your child’s best interest
• Appoint solicitors and take legal advice
• Attend court hearings
• Help gather evidence to support the case
• Make sure your child attends all medical appointments
• Provide instructions and information to your solicitors
• Deal with correspondence and sign legal documents
• Pay the fees requested by the court
• Consider any settlement offers from the defendant

Your role as a litigation friend will end once you have secured compensation for football injuries, your child turns 18 or if you lose the case. If you accept a settlement offer, this will need to be reviewed by the court. A judge will consider the available evidence to determine if the award is fair. Any compensation secured on behalf of a child will be kept in a court bank account or personal injury trust until they become a legal adult and can access the funds.

Can I claim compensation if I was injured watching a football match?

There are many ways in which you could potentially be injured while watching a game of football, including:

• Objects or debris thrown into the crowd or if equipment or structures collapse
• Slip, trip and fall accidents caused by slippery surfaces or uneven walkways
• Faulty seating, unsafe barriers and other stadium facilities that are not properly maintained
• Crowd disturbances or fights that could happen during a game
• Stadium overcrowding and lack of safety regulations
• Food poisoning after eating food at a football ground that was not adequately stored or cooked
• Being struck by a ball while sitting in the crowd at a game

It is important to note that not all injuries sustained in a football stadium accident will entitle you to compensation. The unique circumstances of the incident will determine whether you have a valid football injury claim.

However, all spectators are owed a duty of care by the event organisers, ground operators and other relevant third parties. That means all facilities should be kept as safe as possible to protect you from injuries. If this duty is breached, the responsible person or company may be liable to pay compensation for any football-related injuries.

If you were the victim of assault while watching a game, you could also make a compensation claim through the CICA (Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority). The CICA is a government agency that handles claims following violent crimes where the attacker is unidentified or does not have the means to compensate the victim. To be eligible for football injury compensation from the CICA, you:

• Must not have caused the assault through provocation
• Must have reported the incident to the police as soon as possible and have a crime reference number
• Must start legal proceedings within two years after the assault

How much football injury compensation could I receive?

Before starting a claim, you should think carefully about how your footballing injury has affected you. Each case is unique, so the compensation you might be entitled to claim is based on various factors, including the type and severity of your injuries and how these have affected your life.

Your solicitor will ensure the football injury compensation award covers all your losses. These will typically be based on two specific damages:

General damages are awarded for the actual injury or injuries suffered and their respective impacts on your life, such as:

• Physical pain
• Emotional distress
• Mental anguish and psychological consequences like anxiety and depression
• Loss of consortium or companionship
• Lowered quality of life
• Effects on your ability to engage in hobbies or social activities

Special damages are awarded to recover any financial losses caused by your injuries, including:

• Medical expenses for prescriptions and medication
• The cost of private healthcare, such as hospital stays and surgical procedures
• Physiotherapy and counselling
• Travel expenses like fuel costs or taxi fares for medical appointments
• The cost of any care or assistance required during your recovery, even if this was provided by a loved one
• Mobility aids and adaptations to your home or car
• Lost earnings and loss of earning capacity

Special damages are based on actual evidence like receipts, invoices and bank statements. Previous cases and recommendations provided by the Judicial College will be used to determine a fair compensation award for general damages. Some examples of potential awards for general damages include the following:

• £7,780 to £12,010 for a minor leg injury with recovery within a few months, such as sprains, strains or simple fractures
• £22,340 to £37,070 for moderate knee injuries like dislocations, torn meniscus or damaged kneecaps resulting in ongoing pain or discomfort
• £13,360 to £27,320 for elbow injuries resulting in limited movement
• £5,630 to £16,380 for mild arm injuries, such as a fractured forearm
• £16,380 to £40,970 for severe shoulder injuries that cause significant disability
• £2,090 to £10,670 for minor back injuries with recovery between three months and five years
• £13,430 to £112,130 for a moderate head injury that may lead to poor concentration, minor personality changes, depression or more severe intellectual impairment

You can find out more about how much compensation you could potentially claim for various injuries by referring to our compensation calculator.

Time limit to make a football injury claim

The Limitation Act 1980 sets out a general three-year time limit to claim if you were injured playing football or in any other accident that wasn’t your fault. The time starts to run on the date of your accident or when you became aware of your injury, known as the date of knowledge. The latter refers to when you knew or should have reasonably known that you suffered an injury due to someone else’s actions or negligence.

Failure to start a football injury claim within the limitation date could result in your case becoming statute-barred and missing out on any compensation you are entitled to. Starting a claim as soon as possible will make it easier to gather evidence, talk to witnesses and build a strong case. That will also ensure you receive any compensation you are entitled to sooner, aiding your recovery and easing any financial burdens caused by your injury.

There are some situations where the usual three-year time limit to claim does not apply, such as:

• If the injured person is a child, the three-year imitation date only begins on their 18th birthday. Before that, there is no deadline for a parent or legal guardian to make a child accident claim on their behalf.
• The time limit for making a claim is put on hold indefinitely if the claimant does not have the mental capacity to initiate legal proceedings. This could be the case if they have Down’s syndrome, autism or have sustained a brain injury. In such cases, a litigation friend can start a football injury claim on their behalf without any time limit. The three-year time limit begins only if the injured person regains their ability to do so.
• If you have been assaulted at a football game, you have two years to start a claim through the CICA scheme.

We can help you make a No Win No Fee claim

Although other fee arrangements are available, no win no fee is the preferred choice for funding a personal injury claim, including for football injuries. If your case has merit, the solicitors we work in partnership with will offer you their service without requesting any upfront fees. Instead, they take on the risks of litigation and will only be paid if and when you receive compensation.

If your football injury claim is successful, your solicitor will get a success fee of up to 25% of your settlement. This fee will be agreed upon at the start of your case, and there are no additional charges beyond this agreed-upon percentage.

Furthermore, you are also safeguarded from any legal costs incurred during litigation. That is due to the After the Event (ATE) insurance policy included in the no win no fee agreement. It aims to provide peace of mind and mitigate the financial burden of legal proceedings. If you lose, the ATE will cover costs such as:

• The defendant’s expenses
• Filing fees and other court costs
• The cost of any expert witnesses
• Travel expenses associated with the claim
• Police and medical reports
• Barrister fees if your claim ends up in court
• Paralegal and other staffing costs

If your case fails, the ATE insurance is paid for by your solicitor. You only have to cover the premium if you win your claim for football injury compensation. The cost can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the potential risks involved, and how early in the process it is purchased. But you will be made fully aware of this from the outset, so you never have to worry about any hidden or unexpected fees.

If you were injured playing football and want to find out if you are eligible for a no win no fee service, call 0800 470 0474 today to speak to one of our friendly legal advisers. Alternatively, use our contact form to receive a call back. The case assessment is completely free and provided with no obligation to proceed.

Last edited on 15th Oct 2025

With over 15 years’ experience in the legal sector, Nicholas Tate (LLB Hons, LLM in Health Law) has extensive experience across all areas of personal injury and medical negligence claims.