Liverpool fans who made personal injury claims over the chaos at the 2022 Champions League final in Paris have reached a compensation agreement.
UEFA confirmed a “full and final settlement” had been agreed with supporters represented by two law firms, although the terms will remain confidential.
An independent report published last year found Europe’s football governing body bore “primary responsibility” for the security failures which almost led to a “mass fatality catastrophe”.
Thousands of Liverpool fans were penned in against perimeter fences outside the Stade de France by police, with the kick-off delayed by more than half an hour.
Some had already been targeted by local youths trying to steal their tickets, while others were robbed after leaving the stadium following Real Madrid‘s 1-0 win.
Pic: Reuters
“UEFA has already taken a number of steps following the 2022 final, including implementing recommendations from the independent review and establishing a special refund scheme,” UEFA said in a statement.
“Today, it has gone further by ensuring that Liverpool fans represented by Pogust Goodhead and Bingham Long receive a sum by way of compensation in relation to the difficulties and challenges that they were confronted with.
“The parties have agreed the terms of this statement but that the terms of the settlement will otherwise remain confidential.
“The settlement agreement has been made without any admission of liability. UEFA is pleased to have reached a common position which it is hoped provides closure for the fans.”
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What actually happened at the Stade de France?
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What actually happened to fans at Champions League final?
The failed security operation saw tens of thousands of fans held in poorly organised queues ahead of the final at the 75,000-capacity stadium, which is a key venue for the Paris Olympics.
Authorities initially tried to deflect the blame towards ticketless Liverpool fans arriving late for the game, drawing comparisons with the 1989 Hillsborough tragedy, where 97 people were killed in a crush.
Following the publication of the review last year, Liverpool fan Daniel Nicolson described “a complete breakdown of any authority”, telling Sky News: “I just can’t believe they got it wrong.”
He said: “This cannot happen again. I was so relieved when the report came out and it vindicated us as fans.”
Police used tear gas and pepper spray
Michael Burke and Paul Hudson, members of the claimants’ legal team at Pogust Goodhead, said: “We are delighted that fellow supporters of Liverpool Football Club will soon be in receipt of compensation for the difficulties and challenges they faced at the 2022 Champions League Final.
“This was an exceptionally important case and to have played a part in it was a privilege.”
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Gerard Long, managing director of Bingham Long, added: “As a local firm, it was important for us to be able to report back to [fans] that we had resolved the matter without lengthy legal proceedings, and they will receive some compensation.
“I would like to make clear that no deduction will be taken from my clients’ damages and that they will therefore receive 100 per cent of the compensation received as part of this settlement.”