Introduction – Purpose of the AFC Fan Materials Portal
In support of their team, ticketed spectators may wish to bring certain items to stadiums to display, both individually or as part of choreographed activities (such as tifos). WAC LOC summarily refers to such items and associated activities that fans may engage in as “fan material”.
If you hold a ticket for the upcoming WAC26 and would like to make a request for Fan Material approval, please read the Fan Material Guidelines and FAQs carefully before placing your request.
All request must be made at least 48 hours before the match you are seeking to bring in Fan material. No approvals will be given at the gates on the day.
Fan material can be divided into the following categories:
• Oversized flags and banners (including flagpoles)
• Musical instruments and other noise-emitting devices (including megaphones)
• Fan performances and choreographed displays (such as tifos)
Depending on the local safety and security regulations and/or the code of conduct applicable to a given WAC26 competition or site, some or all of these items/activities maybe restricted or prohibited.
Under certain conditions, AFC/LOC and/or the relevant delivery entity/event organiser inthe host country can grant exceptional written approval for fans to bring certain items tothe stadium (or another official site). In order to gain written approval for such items, fans should use the Fan Material Request Form.
The following paragraphs describe the use of the Fan Material Request Form. It is importantto note, however, that the regulations will differ for each AFC and FA competition based onthe national laws of the host country. For this reason, it is important to check theregulations applicable to each competition, including the Stadium Code of Conduct (hyperlinked), on WAC26 Website (hyper linked)
FIRST STEP – DETERMINING WHETHER PRE-APPROVAL IS REQUIRED
Fans who wish to make a request should first ascertain whether any item that they wish tobring (or activity in which they wish to engage) would indeed be prohibited without writtenpre-approval.
Here are some examples of items that may not require written pre-approval:
• Small flags and banners (i.e. smaller than 1.5m x 2m) are usually not prohibited.
• Small musical instruments may be permitted.
• Fancy dress and traditional attire of your country are usually not prohibited.
Fans should therefore consult the “Frequently asked questions” section(s) within therelevant page on WAC26 Website
To check the list of prohibited items. Refer Stadium Code of Conduct and FAQs (these tolinked to website)
If an item is not prohibited, it can be brought to the stadium, where it will be checked bysafety and security staff at the stadium gates.
If any item is classed as prohibited, it may be possible to obtain approval to bring it into thestadium by submitting a Fan Material Request Form (To be developed).
WHICH FAN MATERIAL SHOULD NOT BE INCLUDED IN AN APPROVAL REQUEST?
Here are some examples of fan material for which an approval request will not be successful. Fans are advised to refrain from making applications for these items:
Items that are not actually prohibited
Permissible Flags from the 12 Teams competing in the WAC26 in Australia
Small flags and banners (smaller than 1.5m x 2m)
Costumes (themed supporter outfits, props and accessories, face and body paint, bodysuit) and cultural attire of their own country (Themed or National Dress worn forsupporter purposes)
Items that will not be approved:
Any Items of a political, offensive, sexual, discriminatory or culturally insensitive or commercial nature
Ambush marketing materials
Items displaying brands of any kind
Heaters for drums
Megaphones, vuvuzela, diabolica or compressed air horn/s
Any material, article or object (including self-made items) whose use may generate smoke, heat and/or flames
Light-Disruption Devices (flashlight or strobe lights) or Laser Pointers
Significant quantities of plastic, cardboard, confetti or paper (including any rolls ofpaper/shredded paper)
Any quantities of powdery materials, flour or similar substances
Any other object or item that could be used as a projectile (i.e balloons, balls, beachballs) or cause harm upon being thrown, or any item that may compromise public safety, cause fear, unrest or disruption, interfere with the competition’s operations or the enjoyment of others and/or harm AFC’s, the competition and/or the LOC’s reputation.
NEXT STEP – COMPLETING THE FAN MATERIAL REQUEST FORM
The Fan Material Request Form is only available in English and must be completed in English.
It is important that clear and complete responses be provided in each mandatory field (incomplete forms will be rejected). The following points clarify how the form should becompleted:
The correct tournament or event should be selected from the drop-down list in the form. Approvals are only valid for a specific tournament or event and cannot bereused for other editions/competitions.
A separate form must be completed for each flag or musical instrument.
The form must be completed in full, and in English. Incomplete forms will berejected. The dimensions of each item should be clearly stated (e.g. 2m x 3m).
The form must be submitted no later than 48 hours before the start of the match to which the item will be brought (and, in the case of a performance, for which the activity is planned).
A clear colour photograph of the item(s) must be attached.
If relevant, a fire safety certificate must be provided. This applies to any items thatmay be deemed flammable or otherwise a fire hazard, such as very large flags and banners.
APPROVAL CERTIFICATE
WAC26 LOC response to fan material requests will be sent from a LOC Services email address (fan@womensasiancup2026.com.au or fanrequest@WAC26.com.au) to the email address stated in the request form. If an application has been rejected, the response willdetail the reason(s) why.
Approvals will have an approval certificate as a PDF attachment. Here are some importantpoints about the approval certificate:
Approvals for flags, banners, flagpoles and musical instruments are typically valid forall matches in a competition. This means that the approval certificate can be used forall matches for which a fan holds tickets.
Approval for fan performances can only be granted for one match at a time. The match will be stated on the approval certificate.
The approval certificate must be presented at the entry gates to the stadium on matchday in digital or paper format.
The details on the certificate, including the identity of the individual(s) presenting the item(s) along with the photo of the item(s), will be checked by safety and security staff. Therefore, it is important for the information provided to be complete and accurate.
MATCHDAY – ARRIVAL AT THE STADIUM
Fans should read the approval certificate carefully for specific instructions on bringing items into the stadium and displaying them. Flags and banners must be placed in designated areas,and never over the commercial branding or safety and information signage at the stadium.
The approval certificate will stipulate all the conditions pertaining to the fan material in question.
The person or people named on the approval certificate should arrive at the stadium entry gates at the specific time indicated on the certificate (or, if none is stated, in good time beforekick-off). It is worth noting that the named individual(s) will also be deemed responsible for any incidents involving their fan material.
All fan material items will be inspected upon arrival at the stadium entry gates. They will be admitted at the discretion of safety and security officials, whose instructions must be followedat all times.
The approval is only valid for the item pictured and described on the approval certificate. Any items that do not match the approval certificate or the photo will be rejected at the stadium gates.
Safety and security officials at the stadium may also check the identity of the individual(s) named on the certificate.
MATCHDAY – INSIDE THE STADIUM
Requests and instructions issued by safety and security officials at the stadium must be followed.
Approval certificates cannot override such requests and instructions, nor the decisions made by officials at the stadium.
Not all stadiums will have sufficient space to fix or display very large flags or banners.
Fans may not leave their allocated seats in order to take part in group performances. Applicants must not encourage others to do so.
Safety and security officials may ask fans to stop displaying any material or engaging in any activities/behaviour at any time in the interest of safety, security or enjoyment. The refusal to cooperate may result in expulsion from the stadium.
DISPUTES AT THE STADIUM
Safety, security and order at the stadium are highly regulated, and subject to Stadium Code of Conduct and Spectator Code of Behaviour. The following points should be taken into account:
Safety and security officials at the stadium reserve the right to make the final decision on whether any item brought to or into the stadium is allowed, or whether it can befixed to any structure at the stadium.
As previously mentioned, safety and security officials have the authority to request that fans cease displaying items or engaging in activities or behaviours that couldimpact safety, security or the enjoyment of others. Non-compliance may lead to theconfiscation of the items involved or your expulsion from the stadium.
The decisions of safety and security officials at the stadium are final.
FAN MATERIALS FAQs
How can I request permission for fan material items?
You must complete the Fan Material Request Form on the WAC26 Fan Material Portal at least 48 hours before the match you wish to attend.
My request has been declined because it was incomplete. How should I proceed?
In this case, you should submit a new request. You must ensure that all mandatory fields have been completed clearly and in a detailed manner. Incomplete requests cannot beapproved.
What is Fan Material?
Fan material refers to items or activities used by ticketed spectators (fans) to support their team, such as oversized flags, banners, musical instruments, and organised performances and choreographed displays (such as tifos).
I have not yet received a response – should I apply again?
No. All requests are automatically registered in our system and a response will be sent to you once the relevant local authorisations have been sought. Please bear with us and do not apply again.
Duplicate requests will be rejected.
Check your spam folder. All our emails are sent from fan@womensasiacup2026.com.au.(TBC)
Where can I find more information about prohibited items and the maximum permitted sizes of items?
The Stadium Code of Conduct usually stipulates the maximum size of flags/banners andflagpoles, along with a full list of prohibited items.
What is the maximum size of flags/banners or flagpoles without pre-approval?
The Stadium Code of Conduct usually stipulates the maximum size of flags/banners andflagpoles.
Typically, flags and banners over 1.5m x 2m will be prohibited, and an approval certificatewill therefore be required to bring them into stadiums.
What do I need to bring on matchday?
You should bring:
Your approval certificate (digital or a printout);
The approved item(s) as described on the certificate; and
An identification document, as each certificate pertains to the named individual(s)and may be checked by safety and security officials to prevent the same certificate being illegitimately used multiple times.
For fan performances, all performance participants carrying pre-approved items must arrive together.
What happens if I don't follow the rules?
If you fail to comply with the rules, your fan material item(s) could be confiscated, or you may be denied entry. If you are already inside the stadium, the refusal to follow instructions from safety and security officials may lead to your removal from the stadium.
Should I enter via a specific stadium entry gate?
Unless otherwise stated on the approval certificate, you should enter via the gate indicated on your ticket.
What will happen when I arrive at the stadium on matchday?
You will have to undergo a security check, and your approval certificate will be verified atthe stadium entry gates. If you wish to fix your flag to a stadium structure, you should follow the instructions from safety and security officials inside the venue.
For fan performances, safety and security officials may supervise or monitor the installationor storage of your material. Their instructions must be followed at all times.
For fan performances, all performance participants carrying pre-approved items must arrive together.
Which musical instruments require pre-approval?
The rules on what musical instruments are allowed is on application.
The Stadium Code of Conduct stipulates which musical instruments areprohibited/permitted.
Is the Fan Material Request Form available in other languages?
No. The form is only available in English and should be completed in English.
Can safety and security officials ask me to stop displaying approved items?
Yes, safety and security officials can ask you to stop displaying any material or participating in activities if they believe that the item or activity compromises safety, security or theenjoyment of others.
Will my fan material items be inspected at the stadium on matchday?
Yes, all fan material items will be inspected at the stadium entry gates.
Admission is at the discretion of safety and security officials. This means that safety and security officials at the stadium reserve the right to make the final decision on whether any item brought to or into the stadium is prohibited.
Where can I display/fix my flag or banner?
Unless specifically instructed otherwise by safety and security officials at the stadium, you may fix a flag/banner anywhere except:
Where the view of others may be obstructed;
Across the entire main stand;
On the touchline/at pitch level of the stand opposite the main stand;
Over any commercial/event branding;
Over safety or information signage;
Not all stadiums will have sufficient space to fix or display very large flags or banners.
Any questions should be directed to stadium safety and security officials.
Can I bring/wear costumes or disguises?
Costumes (including fancy dress and disguises) and the cultural attire of your country aregenerally allowed, provided that they are not of a political nature or otherwise offensive. No pre-approval is required for such items.
Are megaphones, vuvuzelas or diabolica allowed?
No, instruments or devices that emit excessive noise, such as megaphones, vuvuzelas, diabolica and whistles, are not allowed and cannot be approved.
You should not include such items in a fan material request.
Should I submit a request for each match or stadium that I am attending?
Flags/banners, flagpoles and musical instruments are typically approved for a whole tournament. If you are applying for a fan performance/group display (such as a tifo), you will need to submit a separate request for each match.
Do I need permission to bring fan material items to the stadium?
You need written pre-approval from WAC26 if your fan material item is classed as prohibited under the applicable code of conduct, stadium regulations or other local equivalent document.
The following are typical examples:
Flags or banners larger than 1.5m x 2m
Flagpoles longer than 1m or with a diameter of over 1cm
Musical instruments
You should review the list of prohibited items in Stadium Code of Conduct.
Why can't I see the tournament that I am attending in the Fan Material Request Form?
The portal will allow applications from around seven to ten calendar days before the tournament’s first match. Please check back nearer the time.
When should I arrive at the stadium on matchday?
You should arrive at the stadium entry gates in plenty of time to allow for security screening and to have the approval certificate checked.
For very large items or for fan performances, the approval certificate may state a specific time or gate.
For fan performances, all performance participants carrying pre-approved items must arrive together.
Can I apply for multiple flags/banners or instruments in one request?
No. Each individual flag/banner or instrument requires its own request form and approvalcertificate, unless it has been otherwise approved as part of a fan performance.
My request has been declined because I applied for multiple items. How should I proceed?
In this case, you should submit a new request for each item. A separate form must be completed for each flag or musical instrument. The photo that you submit must only show the item for which you are applying.
My request has been declined because the item is a "duplicate". How shouldI proceed?
When one person submits an application relating to exactly the same item multiple times, the team members handling the application will assume that this was done in error and reject any duplicate applications. Duplicate applications can be avoided by ensuring that each person applies for their fan material using their own email address and ticket details. If an applicant wishes to make multiple applications for items that are identical, they should make this clear in the item’s description.
What happens if my item does not match the approval certificate?
Items that do not match the description or photo on the approval certificate will be rejected at the stadium gates. Admission is at the discretion of safety and security officials. This means that safety and security officials at the stadium reserve the right to make the final decision on whether any item brought to or into the stadium is prohibited.
Which items are strictly prohibited, meaning that pre-approval requests will be categorically rejected?
Items of a political, offensive, sexual, discriminatory or commercial nature
Megaphones, heaters for drums and other excessively loud devices
Materials that generate smoke or flames and hazardous substances
Large quantities of plastic, paper, confetti or powdery substances
Are there rules for participating in a tifo or fan performance?
Yes. The rules are as follows:
All performance/display participants carrying pre-approved fan material items mustarrive together.
Fans must not leave their allocated seats to take part in group performances.
Fans must not encourage others to leave their seats.
The performance group should clear any rubbish created through their performance or materials (including any boxes, etc.).
My request has been declined because the item is "not actually prohibited". How should I proceed?Because your item is not prohibited, you may present it directly to safety and security staff at the stadium gates. Please note that safety and security officials at the stadium reserve the right to make the final decision on whether any item brought to or into the stadium is prohibited, or whether it can be fixed to any structure at the stadium