FBOs may be issued by courts in the United Kingdom, or following a complaint from a local police force.

[1] The Act was "rushed through Parliament" by then-Home Secretary Jack Straw following violent clashes during UEFA Euro 2000.

[2] Straw stated during an opposition day for his Bill that he was keen to enact the new laws in time for England's next international game against France in September 2000.

Supporters may also be barred from using public transport on matchdays, and from town centres and built-up, high-risk areas prior to and following matches.

[4][5][6] The Act has been criticised by civil liberties campaigners for being "draconian",[7] fearing it may result in profiling based on fan appearance.