In a huge step towards improving accessibility for disabled fans across the sport, UEFA have increased the wheelchair seat capacity in the AEK Athens Arena ahead of the 2024 Europa Conference League Final.
The match is set to take place on Wednesday, May 29, at 9pm local time as Olympiacos and Fiorentina compete for the coveted prize.
UEFA increase wheelchair seat capacity at AEK Athens Arena
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A focus on accessibility from UEFA
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♿ In Athens, we have expanded the stadium's wheelchair seat capacity by 40%, providing more opportunities for fans with disabilities to watch the game.
All our measures for a sustainable and accessible final: ⬇️#UECLfinal | @europacnfleague
— UEFA (@UEFA) May 28, 2024
UEFA increasing the wheelchair seat capacity ahead of the Europa Conference League final is part of a wider initiative from the governing body this summer to improve the sustainability and accessibility standards across the sport.
It has been one of, if not the key focus of all four club-level European finals taking place this month as well as the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament.
In a statement released on their official website, UEFA said: “This year, social and environmental sustainability continues to play a significant role in our event operations, as we implement a comprehensive array of 303 actions across the four finals, covering 37 topics to champion respect for the environment, social inclusivity and community engagement.”
In total, the wheelchair seat capacity at the AEK Athens Arena has been increased by 40% ahead of the final, with UEFA keen to provide greater opportunities for disabled fans to attend games.
A huge step forward
While accessibility has been a talking point within the sport for quite some time now, never before has the issue taken centre stage in the way it has done this year. Progress has of course been made in recent years, but, until now, it has been relatively slow going.
Perhaps now, with governing bodies seriously focusing on the topic and taking clear, actionable steps towards improving conditions for disabled fans at matches, more supporters than ever before will be able to cheer their team on from the stands this summer.
All fans deserve the chance to support their side, and we are now one step closer to that becoming a reality.