Supporters of Wales' men's team, women's team and leading domestic clubs have secured the highest UEFA accolade for fan conduct. The Football Association of Wales (FAW) announced that the nation's supporters have been recognised with the behaviour of spectators title for 2025-26 in UEFA's fair play rankings, cementing their reputation across European football.
This story was first reported by BBC Sport.
According to BBC Sport, UEFA has awarded the FAW 50,000 euros (£42,000) to reinvest into Welsh football as part of this honour. The award recognises the conduct of Welsh supporters both at home and during away fixtures across international and domestic competitions.
Wales men's captain Ben Davies, who recently joined the FAW Council as a player representative, praised the supporters' commitment and discipline. He said:
As players, the travel, commitment, and support of the Red Wall does not go unnoticed. We know you are always with us in your numbers both home and away, and the award from Uefa is truly deserved. We are so proud of how you conduct yourselves amazingly at away matches, leaving a positive mark wherever you go. We look forward to your continued support as we head towards reaching the home Euros in 2028. Llongyfarchiadau i chi gyd (congratulations to all of you).
Wales women's captain Angharad James echoed the sentiment, highlighting how the supporters' presence has strengthened the team's performance over time. She stated:
Whether we are home or away, we know the Red Wall will be behind us every step of the way. Seeing that support grow over the years has been incredibly powerful and has allowed the team to grow from strength to strength. We appreciate everything you do, and you thoroughly deserve the recognition. Diolch am eich cefnogaeth (thanks for your support).
FAW chief executive Noel Mooney emphasised that the award validates what Welsh football has long recognised about its fanbase. He commented:
We probably always knew that the Red Wall is the very best in Europe – and now Uefa has confirmed that our supporters really are the best of the best across European International football.
What recognition does this award carry?
UEFA's fair play rankings assess supporter behaviour across international and club competitions, measuring factors including conduct at stadiums, respect for opposing fans, and overall discipline during matches. The award places Wales at the pinnacle of European supporter standards, distinguishing the nation's fans from those of other competing nations across the continent.
What lies ahead for Welsh football?
The FAW is preparing for significant fixtures in the coming months. A sold-out Nations League match against Portugal is scheduled for 17 November 2026 in Cardiff, according to UEFA's fixture list, with the FAW expecting large crowds to support both the men's and women's national teams. Beyond the immediate Nations League campaign, Welsh football is building towards hosting the European Championship in 2028, a milestone that will place further emphasis on supporter conduct and engagement.
Mooney added:
As we look forward to more special nights ahead, including the sold-out Portugal game here in Cardiff (in the Nations League on 17 November), we know that our fans will come out in huge numbers to support the Cymru national teams and domestic clubs to success.
Key Facts
- Wales supporters won UEFA's behaviour of spectators title for 2025-26, the top fair play award in European football
- The FAW received 50,000 euros (£42,000) to reinvest into Welsh football as recognition of this achievement
- Both men's captain Ben Davies and women's captain Angharad James publicly acknowledged the supporters' discipline and commitment
- Wales will host Portugal in a Nations League fixture on 17 November 2026 in Cardiff, with the match already sold out
- The award recognises conduct across men's, women's and domestic club competitions throughout the 2025-26 season
