Disabled Man Sues Over Service Dog Access at FIFA Match

A Massachusetts man with a disability has filed a lawsuit after being denied initial entry to a FIFA Club World Cup match at Gillette Stadium due to service dog documentation issues. The plaintiff, King Pompilus, alleges that he faced discrimination when he was questioned about his service dog’s documentation at the stadium entrance while other attendees entered without hindrance.

Pompilus claims he was allowed to enter the game eventually, but the incident caused him humiliation and emotional distress. The lawsuit asserts this action violated his rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Massachusetts anti-discrimination laws. Newsweek has contacted the involved parties, including FIFA and the Boston 26 Host Committee, for comments.

Previous Criticism

This lawsuit surfaces amid broader criticism of FIFA from disabled fans. FIFA faced backlash for charging for companion seats during ticket sales for accessible seating, effectively doubling costs for disabled attendees. Reports also highlighted that wheelchair users struggled to get tickets for caregivers and that the prices for wheelchair accessible seating were higher on FIFA’s resale marketplace compared to general admission tickets.

Football Supporters Europe, a prominent group, has criticized FIFA for neglecting fans with disabilities, noting the lack of consultation with disabled fans and related organizations. Jon Attenborough, affiliated with the group, labeled the situation disgraceful.

Details of the Lawsuit

Filed regarding the Haiti-Scotland match on June 13, the lawsuit details how a security employee stopped Pompilus at Gillette Stadium, demanding paperwork for his service animal, which federal law typically prohibits. Pompilus and his children, with their trained service dog, had to wait about 15 minutes before a supervisor allowed entry without paperwork.

Claims suggest the defendants didn’t train staff on laws concerning service animals and disability accommodations adequately, resulting in the incorrect request for documentation. The suit contends that accessibility standards were inconsistently enforced, going against commitments to inclusion and equal access for disabled individuals.

What the Plaintiff Seeks

Pompilus seeks compensatory damages and aims for several legal outcomes. He requests a court declaration that defendants violated disability rights laws and demands an injunction against requiring service-animal documentation for entry. Additionally, the plaintiff calls for ADA-compliance training for stadium personnel, the establishment of written policies covering service animals, and the preservation of records related to service-animal complaints and staff training. He also seeks attorney’s fees and costs, if the law permits.

The lawsuit seeks a jury trial, though the defendants have yet to respond to these allegations.