The upcoming Champions League final between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid at Wembley Stadium will have over 2,500 stewards on duty, making it the highest number of stewards in the stadium’s history. The Football Association (FA) has invested over £5m to enhance safety and infrastructure in an effort to prevent a repeat of the chaotic scenes seen during England’s Euro 2020 final defeat by Italy at Wembley three years ago. An independent review in 2021 identified numerous near-misses that could have resulted in serious injury or death, as ticketless fans attempted to enter the stadium illegally.
Chris Bryant, the FA’s director of tournaments and events, emphasized the importance of stewarding in ensuring a safe event and expressed confidence in the improved supply of stewards following the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. Previous Champions League finals in Paris and Istanbul also experienced disorder, prompting Uefa to implement stricter security measures for Saturday’s final at Wembley.
To ensure a trouble-free event, a robust and comprehensive testing plan for digital ticketing and checks will be put in place. The FA has also invested in additional cameras and lock systems, increased the use of body-cams for stewards, and extended entrance hours to Wembley Stadium on the day of the final. Transport for London will provide extra services to facilitate fan movement to and from the ground while security measures will also be put in place at nearby pubs to monitor activities.
The focus on safety and security measures aims to provide a secure and enjoyable experience for all fans attending the Champions League final at Wembley Stadium.
