Liverpool FC fans’ claims against UEFA over Stade de France chaos can continue in English courts

A judge dismissed UEFA’s argument that personal injury claims from fans should not be heard in Liverpool, confirming that the claims can continue in Liverpool.  

Fans represented by Leigh Day allege UEFA failed to ensure a safe and secure environment for those attending the football match at the Stade de France on 28 May 2022 and are legally liable to those who suffered physical and/or psychological injuries. 

Fans faced disorder before and after the match against Real Madrid, being penned in and sprayed with tear gas outside the stadium as kick-off was delayed by roughly 36 minutes.

Leigh Day issued legal proceedings in the High Court in Liverpool in April 2023. In November 2023, UEFA made an application to prevent the claims continuing in England.

In March 2024, UEFA reported settling claims by fans represented by two other law firms “without any admission of liability” and on confidential terms. At the same time, they sought an order dismissing the claim brought against them in Liverpool by fans represented by Leigh Day.  

UEFA’s application for the order was heard at the High Court in Liverpool in July 2024, with the decision handed down today 7 March 2025.  

UEFA had relied on what is known as the common law Foreign Act of State Doctrine - the principle that English courts will not inquire into the legality of the acts of a foreign government. 

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”. The report concluded that UEFA bore “primary responsibility” for the organisational and safety failures. UEFA disputes these conclusions.  

Liverpool fans are represented by Clare Campbell, Jill Paterson and Colin Murphy, personal injury solicitors at Leigh Day. 

Clare Campbell 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 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.”