The Premier League have admitted they are powerless to prevent standing areas
returning to the top flight next season.
First Division pacesetters Fulham have applied for planning permission for a new
stadium, which will mean them leaving Craven Cottage, their home for 104 years.
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Terraces
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However, even if that permission is received by the end of the year construction
work has no chance of being completed by the start of next season, by which time
Fulham could have secured their place in the Premiership.
Just under half Craven Cottage's 18,623 capacity is made up of terraced areas,
including the section reserved for visiting supporters.
So unless the London club install temporary seating, Premier League fans will
have the opportunity to stand without suffering the ire of the Football Licensing
Authority, who are becoming increasingly concerned at fans electing to stand in
seating areas.
Discussions between the FLA and Premier League are due to take place over the
next few weeks over the threat to safety posed by fans who continually stand throughout
the game.
"There are two aspects to this, the safety concerns and the inconvenience of other
supporters," said Premier League spokesman Phillip French.
"Because the stands are set at gradients which hold seats, if someone takes a
tumble it could have a knock-on effect.
"Also if people are standing up they take up more room, so the exits and stairways
become crammed.
"It only takes the supporters at the front to stand up and everyone else must
follow."