Illegal traders planning to set up stalls around Old Trafford on matchdays in the 2026/27 season have been warned: You have nowhere to hide.
Trafford Council, Greater Manchester Police and Manchester United Football Club are teaming up to put a halt to anyone undermining legitimate traders or trying to exploit sports fans with substandard goods.
Action follows the success of recent, regular prosecutions by Trafford Council’s licensing enforcement team and represents a stepping up of partnership enforcement activity.
The Council, which requires sellers to hold a valid street trading licence, is now working with GMP, which will seize illegal goods as necessary, as well as MUFC officials, whose matchday knowledge and expertise will help to pinpoint and eradicate rogue traders.
Combined intelligence-led efforts will aim to protect more than 70,000 match goers per football fixture – and the lawful sellers of food and merchandise who follow rules and uphold standards as they go about their livelihoods.
Ben Moran, the Council's Licensing Enforcement Team Lead, is pictured at Trafford Town Hall with goods seized at Sunday's Manchester United match.
Cllr Keleigh Glenton, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Community Safety and Civil Contingencies, said:
“As the floodlights come on, the crowds gather and another season begins, our partnership will be watching — ensuring that those who come to Old Trafford to enjoy the football do not encounter people looking to profit illegally from them.
“Last season several rogue traders found themselves prosecuted by magistrates thanks to the Council’s enforcement action. Now, as we step up activity with our partners, there will be nowhere for these law breakers to hide.”
Trafford district Superintendent Marcus Noden of Greater Manchester Police said:
"Illegal trading may seem like a good deal for fans, but behind the stalls and counterfeit merchandise lies a wider criminal network that profits from exploitation and criminality.
"We have seen first-hand the harm these operations can cause to individuals, families and local communities and we are determined to tackle those involved.
"Anyone found selling illegal goods around the ground can expect to be stopped, searched and, where appropriate, prosecuted."