The U.K. government accused some Premier League clubs of "failing" the disabled over their "lack of accessible facilities" and warned that they are "facing their last chance to meet a collective pledge to provide minimum standards," according to Jeremy Wilson of the London TELEGRAPH. The clubs all promised in '15 that, by September, they would meet the requirements set out in the Accessible Stadia Guide that were "first conceived and agreed by clubs almost 20 years ago." However, despite "repeated warnings" from government, charity Level Playing Field and the Equality & Human Rights Commission, it is "expected that some will fall short." The EHRC is "already preparing to take legal actions against the worst offenders" but there is "still a hope that the offending clubs will seize the next month and urgently make the necessary provisions." U.K. Minister for Disabled People, Work & Health Penny Mordaunt said, "Premier League clubs have a duty to set an example to sports clubs all over the country, but far too many are still failing disabled people." With the collective cost of the changes estimated at £7.2M ($9.4M) -- and the Premier League currently in the second season of an £8.3B ($10.8B) TV deal -- Level Playing Field is "adamant that it is simply a question of will." Level Playing Field Chair Tony Taylor said, "Whilst we acknowledge that progress has been made in recent times, the reality is that disabled sports fans still face an inequality of matchday experience when compared to non-disabled supporters. The Premier League clubs, with all of their significant wealth, should be at the forefront of that change" (TELEGRAPH, 8/6).
