Liverpool fans' legal claims over Stade de France chaos can continue in England
A judge dismissed a legal challenge by UEFA to not hear personal injury claims in Liverpool
High court judges in Liverpool will be able to hear claims about the chaos that unfolded at the 2022 Champions League final - after a legal challenge by UEFA was dismissed.
The sporting body argued that personal injury claims from fans should not be heard in Liverpool - but that was rejected by a judge.
Fans represented by Leigh Day allege that UEFA failed to ensure a safe and secure environment for those going to the football match between Liverpool and Real Madrid a the Stade de France on 27 May 2022 - and are legally liable to those who suffered physical and/or psychological injuries.
Many supporters were penned in before and after the match and sprayed with tear gas outside the stadium.
Legal proceedings were launched by Leigh Day in the High Court in Liverpool in April 2023 and it was in November of the same year when UEFA made the application to prevent the claims from continuing in England.
An independent review, commissioned by UEFA, found "that the near miss experienced at the Champions League Final was largely the result of poor planning, a lack of oversight of plans, poor interoperability between various stakeholders, and a lack of contingencies."
It concluded that UEFA bore 'primary responsibility' for the organisational and safety failures, which UEFA disputes.
Clare Campbell, personal injury solicitor at Leigh Day, said:
"Our clients are delighted that the High Court in Liverpool has allowed these claims to proceed. However, they have suffered significant delay due to the Defendants’ attempt to prevent the claims being heard in the English courts – they now want their claims to be resolved as soon as possible in the hope that they can move on with their lives."
Jill Paterson, personal injury solicitor at Leigh Day, said:
"This is a landmark legal decision for Liverpool fans in their battle for justice against UEFA. UEFA will now have to answer them in the English courts. All football fans should be able to attend matches safely."