A High Court judge has ruled that legal claims brought by more than 800 Liverpool fans against European football’s governing body, Uefa, over the chaotic scenes at the 2022 Champions League final in Paris can be heard in England.
The decision comes after Uefa had previously argued in a July hearing that English courts lacked jurisdiction to handle the claims. The governing body had relied on the principle that English courts do not typically examine the legality of actions taken by foreign governments.
However, in a detailed 38-page judgment issued on Friday, Mr Justice Turner dismissed Uefa’s argument, allowing the case to proceed in England. He stated:
“I have already concluded that, as a matter of English law, it is arguable that the combination of the limits of the scope of the application of the doctrine to the facts of this case as I have found them to be and the further constraints imposed by the operation of the first exception are sufficient in themselves fatally to undermine the defendants’ jurisdiction application.”
The legal battle stems from the severe congestion and safety failures that marred the Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid at the Stade de France on 28 May 2022. Thousands of Liverpool fans were trapped against perimeter fences and left stranded in a motorway underpass as security staff struggled to manage the crowds. Many supporters, who had already been targeted by local criminals attempting to steal tickets, were subsequently subjected to tear gas and pepper spray by French police.
Uefa’s responsibility and fan safety concerns
The court heard that Liverpool fans’ contractual claims against Uefa are based on an alleged failure to ensure their safety. The claimants argue that those who obtained tickets through Liverpool FC were owed a duty of care under English law, which should be considered in relation to French health and safety regulations governing the stadium.
In March 2023, Uefa announced that it had reached a “full and final settlement” with supporters represented by two other law firms, who had made personal injury claims before their cases reached court. However, the ongoing claims involve hundreds of fans represented by Leigh Day, a leading law firm specialising in personal injury and consumer rights.
Jill Paterson, a solicitor at Leigh Day who is representing the Liverpool fans, welcomed the High Court ruling, describing it as a “landmark legal decision.” She 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.”
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Independent investigation blames Uefa for Paris chaos
An independent review conducted in early 2023 found that Uefa bore “primary responsibility” for the catastrophic failures that nearly turned European club football’s biggest event into a “mass fatality catastrophe.” The report condemned both Uefa and the French authorities for their handling of the event, citing serious organisational failures that placed thousands of fans at risk.
The review also dismissed early claims made by French officials that Liverpool fans with fake tickets were to blame for the chaos, stating that there was no evidence to support such assertions. Instead, the report found that poorly executed security measures, inadequate crowd control planning, and an aggressive policing strategy were responsible for the disorder.
A crucial step towards justice for Liverpool fans
With this latest ruling, Liverpool supporters affected by the Paris final disaster are now one step closer to holding Uefa accountable in an English court. The outcome of the case could have significant implications for future football events, particularly regarding the responsibility of governing bodies in ensuring the safety of match-going fans.
While Uefa has yet to comment on the High Court’s decision, the case marks a significant moment in the ongoing pursuit of justice for Liverpool fans. It remains to be seen how the governing body will respond as legal proceedings move forward.
