UEFA has asked England’s High Court to dismiss lawsuits from over 1,000 Liverpool fans who attended the 2022 Champions League final. The lawsuits allege personal injuries caused by the chaos outside Stade de France, which delayed the match by over 30 minutes.
Fans were subjected to disarray before the match, with French police using tear gas and harsh tactics. Supporters complained of being treated unfairly as they were crowded into pens outside the stadium, leading to widespread confusion and distress.
Independent Review Blames UEFA
An independent review concluded that UEFA was responsible for a series of “near misses” that nearly led to a disaster outside the stadium. The review pointed to inadequate security and poor event management by UEFA, which was supposed to oversee fan safety at the final.
Earlier this year, UEFA settled with a group of Liverpool fans who were affected by the chaos. However, another case involving approximately 1,200 additional fans continues at the High Court, as they seek compensation for the injuries and distress caused by the events.
UEFA Requests Adjournment Of Case
At a preliminary hearing, UEFA’s lawyers requested an adjournment for a key hearing scheduled for later this month. They argued that the case would require findings on the lawfulness of the French state’s actions, which would complicate the proceedings.
Following the events, UEFA introduced new measures, including more security officers and fan involvement in planning future events. These measures aim to prevent similar issues from arising during future Champions League finals.
