Updated UEFA Accessibility Guidelines available now
Thursday, September 5, 2024
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We have released updated guidelines to ensure European football and its infrastructure is accessible to anyone who wants to take part.
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The UEFA Accessibility Guidelines focus on integrating accessibility into all aspects of football, including infrastructure, operational processes, workforce training, services and matchday activities. First published in 2011, the guidelines have been updated to ensure they provide relevant and recent resources.
This initiative aims to help stakeholders, including national associations, leagues and clubs, work proactively to remove barriers that prevent people of all abilities from fully contributing to and being a part of the game.
The guidelines have received a detailed update based on extensive experience across events, tournaments and infrastructure projects. This continues a long-standing partnership with AccessibALL, formerly known as the Centre for Access to Football in Europe (CAFE) and is a key step in UEFA’s ambition to guarantee barrier-free access for any individual wanting to play, attend events or work in football.
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Mobilising European football stakeholders to increase accessibility
The guidelines highlight the value of taking a strategic approach to accessibility in football, presenting a comprehensive overview of requirements and processes. By calling for collaborative action to increase accessibility across European football, they encourage the entire football community to engage with the material, from owners and operators of infrastructure to event organisers and disability access officers.
A resource for new and existing infrastructure
The updated guidelines consider technological advancements, evolving social expectations and feedback from fans of all abilities. They are designed to serve as a resource for both modifying existing infrastructures and ensuring new stadiums and services are fully accessible.
The guidelines are accompanied by a specific accessibility checklist, which serves as a practical tool for integrating accessibility considerations from the early planning stages.
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The guidelines align with UEFA’s Football For All Abilities ambition, which is one of 11 policies outlined in its Football Sustainability Strategy 2030, Strength Through Unity.
UEFA is committed to translating the updated guidelines into 35 European languages, further strengthening their reach and impact across football.
UEFA has also invested in a specific module related to disability within the OUTRAGED project.