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The Legal Week.co.uk

Kirwans lead fans' fight against UEFA

Posted by David Higgerson on June 15, 2007 6:50 AM | 

LIVERPOOL law firm Kirwans is representing around 30 Liverpool fans fighting for compensation from Uefa following the Champions League final ticketing fiasco.

The people being represented by Kirwans were all barred from entering the Olympic Stadium in Athens on May 23, despite having legitimate tickets.


They say the football organisation is liable for financial loss and owed them a duty of care.

A nine-page summary of the claim was sent to Uefa president Michel Platini yesterday.

Simon Gibson, of Liverpool firm Kirwans Solicitors, said: “The basis of this action is that each claimant entered into a contract with Uefa when purchasing their ticket through an agent of Uefa.

“It’s their contention Uefa has breached this contract and has caused them to suffer loss and expense.

“The claimants will also say Uefa owed each of them a duty of care in law.

“It will be alleged the manner in which Uefa organised, co-ordinated and structured the final was negligent and in breach of this duty of care causing loss and expense to be suffered.

“It’s also the claimants’ contention that Uefa is in breach of the published regulations in relation to the organisation of the Champions League 2006/2007 and Uefa’s binding safety and security instructions.�

The solicitor has asked for the names of every individual who was involved in the fateful decision to allow people into the stadium without having their tickets checked.

Other documents requested under advance disclosure rules include copies of all correspondence between Uefa, the Athens police and the Olympic Stadium authorities in relation to the organisation of safety and security.

This includes the now infamous “25 incidents� report which Uefa spokesman William Gaillard initially used to label LFC fans as “the worst in Europe�.

Architect Paul Gregory is among the supporters taking the legal action after he paid £3,490 with two friends for match tickets, flights and accommodation.

He said: “I was turned away by the police, tear gassed and baton charged.

“It was only through good luck that this didn’t end in a tragedy and we’ll take Uefa through the British and European courts to ensure it never happens again.�

No one was able to be contacted from Uefa for a comment.

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