More than 300 people banned from entering sports venues

As of August 2026, 344 individuals have been banned from sports venues in Portugal, with 288 having been convicted. The Secretary of State for Internal Administration highlighted that the use of pyrotechnics is a major reason for these bans. He emphasized the need for safety measures to ensure families can attend events without fear. Additionally, he mentioned ongoing efforts against piracy, particularly counterfeit sports merchandise. The government is also considering regulations regarding alcohol in sports venues, following a pilot project conducted in August. With the 2030 World Cup approaching, managing borders is identified as a key challenge for national and EU security.