A group of Liverpool fans have been granted compensation by UEFA after asserting that they suffered injuries or psychological harm during the tumultuous events at the 2022 Champions League final.
UEFA was deemed to hold “primary accountability” for nearly causing a “potential mass fatality disaster” in Paris.
Supporters were confined and subjected to tear gas outside the Stade de France, resulting in a 36-minute delay to kick-off.
On Friday, UEFA announced that it had reached “a comprehensive and definitive resolution” with the fans.
The agreement pertains to Liverpool supporters, previously reported as a total of 1,450 claimants, who were represented in a lawsuit by global law firm Pogust Goodhead and Liverpool-based law firm Bingham Long.
Both UEFA and the legal teams have stated that the compensation amount received by the fans will remain confidential.
The supporters have “accepted” and “welcomed” the offer, according to their legal representatives.
In May 2022, Liverpool played against Real Madrid for the chance to be crowned European champions.
Numerous Reds fans recounted long queues in the hours leading up to the game, which Liverpool ultimately lost 1-0, as well as a heavy-handed police response to the gathering of supporters unable to enter the Stade de France.
During this time, fans were tear-gassed by police and also faced attacks and robberies by local individuals permitted to congregate nearby.
Initially, UEFA and French authorities attributed the events to ticketless fans.
In February 2023, an independent report announced that UEFA was responsible for “chaotic scenes” that “nearly resulted in disaster.”
The report drew parallels with the Hillsborough disaster in 1989, during which 97 Liverpool supporters died at their team’s FA Cup semi-final match against Nottingham Forest due to overcrowding.
“The parties have agreed the terms of this statement, but that the terms of the settlement will otherwise remain confidential,” said Uefa, which organises Champions League matches as the governing body of European football.
“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.”