to offer licensed standing areas at their grounds from 2022, as part of a pilot programme. it would mean an end to the ban on standing in the top two divisions which has been in place for more than 25 years. laura scott has more. well, while bosses from the premier league clubs have been meeting at this hotel in london behind me, a matter not on the agenda but hugely significant came from the sports ground, safety authority, which is being called an historic announcement that they will invite expressions of interest from premier leagues and championship clubs to be part of a pilot of licensed safe standing areas for the 1st of january. this is all part of the 2019 government manifesto to introduce safe standing at football grounds if it could be seen to be done safely, and there has been research carried out, and covid has delayed the plans for these pilots but from the 1st of january, after more than 25 years of all seater stadium in the top two divisions in england,