The link between football and domestic abuse – as prosecutors in England and Wales expect increase of domestic violence during World Cup
- GINA
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
Domestic abuse rates reportedly increase during football tournaments, and with the World Cup currently taking place in the United States, Canada and Mexico, prosecutors at the Crown Prosecution Service are expecting to see more cases of domestic violence during the competition. England have so far played three games, beating Croatia 4-2, drawing with Ghana 0-0, and scoring 2-0 against Panama.
Research from Lancaster University found domestic abuse incidents increase when England play, by 26% when they win or draw and by 38% if they lose.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) also released data showing that more than 300 domestic abuse offences were reported to police during the Euro 2024 tournament where it was believed the perpetrator’s behaviour was linked to football.
Reform UK MP Controversy
Following England’s win against Croatia, Reform UK MP Sarah Pochin received criticism over a video she posted praising the England team for their win, and then linking the England team losing games to contributing to domestic violence.
In the video, Sarah Pochin said: “England won the football last night, and thank goodness they did,”. Pochin added: “Because on the occasions that England lose their football matches, the incidences of domestic violence go through the roof. So boys, keep winning.”
Pochin’s video led charities such as Women’s Aid and Refuge to comment on Pochin implying that England must win in order to prevent a rise in domestic abuse against women.
Farah Nazeer, chief executive of Women’s Aid, said:
“Football does not cause domestic abuse – it is a choice that is made by the abuser, time and again, regardless of whether a team wins or loses a match.”
A spokesperson for Refuge added:
"We must be clear: football is never an excuse for domestic abuse, and perpetrators cannot continue to be shielded by the myth that football directly causes abuse."
The matter was also raised in the House of Commons, where Parliamentary Under-Secretary Catherine Atkinson confirmed: "Domestic abuse is not caused by football results. It is caused by perpetrators who make a choice to abuse women."
Pochin insisted she was not putting the responsibility for domestic abuse on the England team - "that's a leap too far, and twisting words," she said.
"My point of raising it today is of course not to put any responsibility on England, they just go out and play football," she insisted.
World Cup Players Facing Rape Allegations
This World Cup has also drawn attention to three players currently competing who face serious allegations of sexual violence.
Thomas Partey, Ghana's midfielder, is awaiting trial in England on seven counts of rape relating to four women. The alleged offences took place between 2020 and 2022. Partey has pleaded not guilty and denies all allegations. His trial is scheduled for June 2027. Partey was denied a Canadian visa due to the pending case but was permitted entry to the United States and has since played in the tournament.
Kaishu Sano, Japan's defensive midfielder, was arrested in Tokyo in July 2024 following allegations of gang rape. Prosecutors dropped the charges after Sano reportedly apologised to the complainant, making a large payment to her. Sano later issued a statement saying: “I am truly sorry for causing trouble to so many people with my actions,” before returning to the national team.
A third player currently participating in the World Cup, Morocco’s team captain Achraf Hakimi will stand trial for rape, French prosecutors have confirmed. A woman accused the Paris St-Germain defender of raping her at his home in the French capital in 2023, when she was aged 24. Hakimi has consistently denied the accusations. An investigating judge ordered a trial is February 2026 and French media report that Hakimi failed with a recent appeal to have the trial dismissed.
The contrasting treatment of the three players has generated significant public debate about consistency, accountability, and FIFA's approach to safeguarding.
Campaigns Against Football Related Domestic Abuse
In light of the World Cup, Women’s Aid and Refuge continue to raise awareness of the increase of domestic abuse during football tournaments. Women’s Aid released their “The Other Kick-Off” campaign, which highlights an alternative ‘kick-off’ time – 11:37 pm – when abusers come home after the football match ends.
To raise awareness for the thousands of women who could be at risk, Women’s Aid has unveiled ‘the other kick-off time’ across digital billboards, mobile vans, and fly posters stationed near major fan zones and football hotspots in London.
The campaign’s 11:37 pm kick-off time was calculated based on the average duration of a football match, including half-time and additional time, post-match drinking and journey home time.
To contribute to Women’s Aid and Refuge’s World Cup campaign, visit https://campaign.refuge.org.uk/page/192657/petition/1?ea.tracking.id=WC26_WEB_HOM_BANHANDV1&utm_source=ig&utm_source=ig and https://womensaid.org.uk/get-involved/campaign/football-and-domestic-abuse To add your name to the petition against domestic abuse.
Refuge’s 24/7 National Domestic Abuse Helpline is available on 0808 2000 247, or you can visit www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk for support and information.
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