Selected Premier League and Championship clubs have been invited to pilot safe standing areas in their grounds from January 1 as part of a trial.
Safe standing has not been allowed in the top two divisions in English football for over a quarter of a century, following a law introduced in 1994 that all fans are required to sit during matches.
The Sports Ground Safety Authority group (SGSA) has invited clubs to submit an application by October 6 to become part of the trial that will approve licensed standing areas from New Year's Day until the end of the season, subject to approval.
Premier League sides Manchester United, Man City, Tottenham, Chelsea and Liverpool have already constructed areas in their stadia that can accommodate safe standing trials in the easiest and safest manner.
Premier League and Championship clubs will pilot safe standing this season as part of a trial
Manchester United are one of the clubs to install rail seating ahead of any potential law change
Sports minister Nigel Huddleston said: 'We have been clear that we will work with fans and clubs towards introducing safe standing at football grounds providing there was evidence that installing seating with barriers would have a positive impact on crowd safety.
'With independent research now complete, and capacity crowds back at grounds across the country, now is the right time to make progress. I look forward to hearing from clubs who wish to be part of our early adopters programme during the second half of this season.'
Clubs must meet a range of criteria in order to gain approval, which include having the necessary infrastructure in both home and away areas of their stadium and allowing fans to sit or stand in the standing areas with the rail seats not locked in the 'up' or 'down' position.
The grounds must also ensure the areas do not impact on the view for other fans including those with disabilities and must provide a code of conduct for standing fans and consulting with the relevant Safety Advisory Group.
Manchester City are another top-flight side who installed rail seating for the current season
SGSA chief executive Martyn Henderson said: 'The focus of the SGSA is the safety and enjoyment of all fans at sports grounds.
