CAFE is delighted to report that the application for a 3-year observer status has been approved again for the Council of Europe’s Committee of the Saint-Denis Convention (T-S4).

The T-S4 Committee works to ensure safe, secure and welcoming sports events across Europe and worldwide, through standard-setting, monitoring and promoting the Saint Denis Convention standards at football and other sports events.

The Committee is the international platform to exchange knowledge and experience, to share good practices and develop co-operation on safety, security and service at football and other sports events.

In CAFE's previous observer term, the role of the Disability Access Officer (DAO) and key considerations to ensure an accessible and inclusive matchday experience for disabled spectators formed an important part of the Recommendation Rec (2015) 1 of the Standing Committee on Safety, Security and Service at Football Matches and other Sports Events (as revised in 2019 and adopted in 2020).

CAFE also contributed to the Impact of Covid-19 pandemic on national and international policies and practices at football and other sports events webinar, raising awareness and sharing good practice to ensure disabled people were included in policies around Covid-19 and the return to stadia.

Speaking on the confirmation of CAFE's observer status, CAFE Managing Director Joanna Deagle said, "This is hugely positive news, and CAFE is delighted to support the Committee of the Saint-Denis Convention. We look forward to continuing our cooperation with the Council of Europe and representing the interests of all disabled sports fans in ongoing policy-making discussions".

For more information please visit the Council of Europe website. 

Published 03/11/2021