What's happened
Liverpool fans affected by the chaos surrounding the 2022 Champions League final in Paris have reached a compensation agreement with Uefa. The settlement follows an independent report that found Uefa responsible for security failures that almost led to a mass fatality catastrophe. Thousands of fans were subjected to distressing incidents, including being penned in against perimeter fences and teargassed by police.
Why it matters
The settlement between Uefa and Liverpool fans affected by the 2022 Champions League final chaos is significant as it provides closure and compensation for the distressing events. It highlights the responsibility of football governing bodies in ensuring fan safety and may lead to improved security measures at future events.
What the papers say
The Guardian criticizes Uefa for not making meaningful efforts to settle claims on behalf of all affected fans, highlighting the lack of admission of wrongdoing or fault in the settlement. Sky News emphasizes Uefa's steps to address the security failures, including the compensation agreement with the fans represented by two law firms.
How we got here
The chaos at the 2022 Champions League final in Paris stemmed from serious congestion problems outside the Stade de France, leading to fans being held against perimeter fences and facing mistreatment by police. An independent report attributed primary responsibility to Uefa for the security failures that nearly resulted in a mass fatality catastrophe.
More on these topics
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Liverpool Football Club is a professional football club in Liverpool, England, that competes in the Premier League, the top tier of English football.
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Paris is the capital and most populous city of France, with an estimated population of 2,150,271 residents as of 2020, in an area of 105 square kilometres.