Sky Blues nominated for Honorary Freedom of the City
It's in recognition of Coventry City's Premier League promotion and community contributions
An Extraordinary General Meeting is set to take place where Coventry City councillors will discuss bestowing the Honorary Freedom of the City upon Coventry City Football Club.
The nomination is in light of the football club's successful 2025/26 season, in which they were crowned EFL Championship champions, marking their promotion to the Premier League after 25 years.
The meeting, scheduled for 23rd June 2026, will determine if the club will receive this prestigious honour that recognises their sports achievement and contribution to Coventry's community life.
Under the leadership of Head Coach Frank Lampard, Coventry City secured promotion on 17th April 2026, ahead of clinching the Championship title with three matches still to play.
The club's achievement was celebrated with an open-top bus parade through Coventry witnessed by around 200,000 people, culminating in the 'We Are Back: Live' festival attended by nearly 50,000 fans.
Celebrations were organised by the club in collaboration with Coventry City Council.
The Honorary Freedom of the City is one of the most distinguished civic honours awarded under section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972.
It acknowledges persons or organisations of distinction or those who have significantly served the city.
For the honour to be granted, a specially convened council meeting is required, where at least two-thirds of voting councillors must approve.
Most recently, in 2022, the freedom was awarded to University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust staff for their services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Coventry's Premier League status is expected to offer economic benefits across various local sectors, including hospitality, retail, and tourism, showcasing the city on a global platform.
Councillor George Duggins, Leader of Coventry City Council, led the nomination, stating, "Coventry is immensely proud of our football club, and the Sky Blues' return to the Premier League is a moment of huge significance for our city."
He further added, "Awarding the Honorary Freedom of the City is our way, on behalf of the whole city, of saying thank you and recognising everything the club has given to Coventry."
If approved, the award will be formally presented to Coventry City Football Club at a later date.