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Leagues and Governing Bodies

Premier League Clubs May Face Sanctions Over Limited Disability Access

A new report claims that Premier League clubs are prioritizing "finance over improving access and should face legal action if they fail to meet the needs of disabled fans," according to Katie Gornall of the BBC. Several clubs including Liverpool, Chelsea and Watford are "likely to miss a deadline on meeting basic standards." The Culture, Media & Sport select committee said that it is "unconvinced the league would punish clubs itself." However, the Premier League said that it is "working extremely hard" on access. In '15, the league "promised to improve stadium facilities for disabled fans," stating that clubs would comply with official guidance by Aug. '17. That followed a BBC investigation in '14 which "found that 17 of the 20 clubs in the top flight at that time had failed to provide enough wheelchair spaces." At the end of January, the Premier League "will publish an interim report detailing each club's progress" toward the August accessibility deadline. The select committee's report on "Accessibility of Sports Stadia" quotes Premier League Exec Dir Bill Bush as saying "top-flight clubs who fail to comply could be punished." He said that the Premier League board can impose fines of up to £25,000 ($30,130), "while cases of serious breaches would be referred to an independent panel -- which could impose heavier fines or even deduct points." But the report added that it was "not convinced" of the Premier League's willingness to sanction its clubs after "20 years of comparative inactivity." Committee Chair Damian Collins said, "It is especially disappointing that some of the rich clubs are not doing more. Sports fans with disabilities are not asking for a large number of expensive changes, only to have their needs taken into account in the way sports stadia are designed and operated" (BBC, 1/16).

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