Safe standing trial: Six Premier League and Championship clubs apply to take part

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Chelsea is one of the clubs that have rail seating that can be converted into a standing area

Six Premier League and Championship clubs applied to participate in a safe standing test that will begin on January 1.

The Sports Grounds Safety Authority will organize the pilot program, which will last until the end the season.

Clubs that apply for it will be able to offer a safe and licensed area.

All-seated law has required that first- and second-tier grounds in England or Wales be established since 1994.

Following the Taylor Report into 1989 Hillsborough disaster that resulted in the deaths of 97 Liverpool fans, standing in English football's top 2 divisions was banned.

The SGSA (the body responsible for ground safety) did not identify the six clubs. However, the approval process is ongoing. The approved clubs list is expected to be released early next month.

A spokesperson for SGSA stated that applications to adopt licensed standing in seated areas are now closed.

"The SGSA is currently reviewing the applications and will give advice and recommendations the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport for a final determination."

Campaigners have been calling for standing to be allowed on grounds in recent seasons. To provide standing areas, barrier seating was created.

2018 saw new guidance by the SGSA allowing rail seats to be used.