Approximately nine hundred supporters of Liverpool Football Club have initiated legal action against the Union of European Associations Football (UEFA) over events linked to the 2022 Champions League final in Paris. The action is being pursued by Liverpool fans represented by the Leigh Day law firm, which is handling the claims on behalf of a substantial group of individual plaintiffs. Additional firms, Pogust Goodhead and Binghams Solicitors, have publicly indicated their involvement in representing other Liverpool supporters who pursued legal action against UEFA in the wake of last year’s final. This lawsuit centers on the broader arrangements and security measures surrounding the match, and the consequences players, fans, and officials faced in the lead up to and during the event, with the aim of seeking redress for those affected by the disruptions. The case reflects ongoing scrutiny of the organizational responsibilities of UEFA as the governing body responsible for the competition and coordinates with host nation authorities to deliver major finals in a safe and orderly environment for all attendees.
The 2022 contest pitted Real Madrid against Liverpool and was held on May 28, 2022, in the outskirts of Paris. A significant and highly publicized crowd-control challenge emerged as thousands of fans without valid tickets attempted to gain entry to the venue, placing immense strain on security operations and the stadium’s access points. French police deployed crowd-control measures, including tear gas, during the hours surrounding kickoff, a decision that drew broad commentary from fans, observers, and authorities about the adequacy of planning, communication, and crowd management for an event of this scale. The match concluded with Real Madrid securing a 1-0 victory, courtesy of a goal from Vinícius Júnior that ultimately decided the outcome in favor of the Spanish side. The post-match period also sparked discussions about the fan experience, the responsibilities of organizers, and the options available for compensation or remediation for those who felt aggrieved by the circumstances observed that night.
Earlier statements from long-time organizers and officials connected to the event indicated that there were ongoing discussions about compensation and the broader implications of relocating the final from its original venue to be played in France. A prominent executive linked to the organizing committee overseeing the 2021/22 Champions League final in Saint Petersburg acknowledged that transition and the associated financial arrangements, noting the choice to relocate the match amid a rapidly changing security and logistical environment. This commentary underscores the complex chain of decisions involved in staging a flagship European final, including how hosting venues are selected, how spectators are accommodated, and how accountability is distributed among the various stakeholders overseeing such high-profile matches. The evolving dialogue around these issues continues to shape perceptions of fairness and safety in major European football events, as fans, organizers, and governing bodies navigate outcomes that affect the sport’s reputation and its commercial and competitive dynamics.