To:
Municipality of Amsterdam
Stadhuis Amsterdam
Amstel 1, 1011 PN Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Ajax FC
Johan Cruijff Arena
ArenA Boulevard 1, 1100 DX Amsterdam
The Netherlands
UEFA
Union of European Football Associations
Route de Genève 46,
1260 Nyon, Switzerland
For the Attention of: S.S. Lazio
Stadio Olimpico, Piazzale Dino Viola
00135 Rome, Italy
Subject: Legal Notice Regarding the Unlawful Ban on Lazio Fans Attending the Ajax FC – S.S. Lazio Match
Dear Sir/Madam,
Introduction:
This legal notice is issued in relation to the unjustified and unlawful ban imposed on the me and my family preventing us from attending the Ajax FC – S.S. Lazio match, scheduled for December 12, 2024, at the Amsterdam Arena. This action is not only unjustified but also causes us significant financial and personal harm.
As soon as the UEFA Europa League fixtures were announced, I organized a short trip to Amsterdam with my wife, my children, and myself to attend the match and visit the city. I purchased five round-trip flights from Rome to Amsterdam, tickets for entry to the stadium, entry tickets for Amsterdam’s major museums, and made hotel reservations for three nights. The total expenditure amounts to €__________, which includes ______________
However, unexpectedly and without prior notice or reasonable justification, the authorities in Amsterdam imposed a blanket ban on me and other Italian citizens and Lazio supporters from entering the stadium. The authorities have instructed these persons to "stay home" during the match (hereinafter referred to as the “Ban”). As a result, not only will I be unable to enjoy the trip I had organized for my family, but I will also be unable to use the tickets I have purchased, losing all the sums paid and yet to be paid, totaling €________________ in damages.
Grounds for the Legal Notice:
1. Violation of my Rights as Citizen and Fan:
The imposition of the Ban constitutes a clear violation of my rights as a fan and an EU citizen, particularly in regard to my fundamental right to travel freely and to participate in events held within the EU. The restriction not only prevents me from attending the Ajax FC – S.S. Lazio match but also effectively imposes a substantial Ban on my ability to stay in Amsterdam during the event. Furthermore, the Municipality of Amsterdam, in its communication, has threatened to adopt additional measures that would limit my freedom of movement should I attempt to stay in the city. This constitutes an unlawful and disproportionate restriction on my personal freedoms, as no such threat or restriction has been justified by any legitimate concern or factual evidence.
Additionally, this Ban is illegitimate due to its tardiness. The authorities in Amsterdam adopted this measure after the sale of tickets and without any prior notice, thereby causing unnecessary harm to me and other fans who had already made travel and accommodation arrangements. This failure to provide timely warning or justification before the sale of tickets has exacerbated the situation and resulted in significant financial and personal loss.
The Ban was directly caused by the Municipality of Amsterdam's arbitrary decision, and it was exacerbated by the culpable inaction of Ajax FC and UEFA, who, despite their roles as event organizers, failed to take adequate measures to ensure my peaceful, fair, and equal participation. Instead of upholding the principles of fairness and freedom of movement, they allowed local authorities to impose discriminatory and unjust restrictions, which not only prevent me from attending the match but also deny me the right to enjoy a planned family trip to the city. This situation has caused significant financial, personal, and emotional harm.
2. Discriminatory and Unjust Actions:
The decision to impose such a blanket Ban on me and my family is discriminatory and has been made with no legitimate or reasonable justification. Moreover, the public statements made by the authorities in Amsterdam and the mayor have been defamatory and damaging to my reputation, as well as to the reputation of other Lazio fans. These actions, beyond being tardy, demonstrate a lack of capability and willingness of the authorities to manage a major sporting event or ensure a safe and fair environment for all Italian citizens.
3. Inability of Local Authorities to Manage the Event:
The Ban reveals the failure of the Amsterdam authorities to organize a major sporting event properly. Rather than taking necessary measures to ensure safety and prevent disturbances, the authorities have imposed harsh, discriminatory restrictions that affect all supporters indiscriminately. This reflects not only their failure to manage public events but also a political interference that undermines UEFA’s jurisdiction over its events.
4. UEFA’s Responsibility in Ensuring Fair Access:
UEFA, as the governing body of the competition, has a responsibility to ensure that all fans, regardless of nationality, are treated equally and allowed to attend matches unless there are exceptional, well-justified reasons for exclusion. UEFA's failure to intervene or provide guidance in this matter only worsens the situation and contributes to the discrimination faced by me and my family.
Requests:
In light of the above, and in order to receive a reasonable, though insufficient, remedy for the damage suffered, I hereby:
a) Call upon UEFA to take note of the discriminatory actions and undue political interference by the Amsterdam authorities in the organization of this UEFA event. Recognizing the inability of these authorities to ensure the peaceful, safe, and regular conduct of sporting events under UEFA's jurisdiction, I request that the location of the Lazio vs Ajax match be moved to Rome or another city where local authorities can ensure the peaceful, safe, and proper execution of the event, allowing me and my family to attend.
b) Request UEFA to take into account the clear inability of Amsterdam's authorities to organize major events safely and without discriminatory measures when scheduling future events. Until this issue is resolved, I suggest considering neutral venues for matches involving teams from Amsterdam or potentially excluding these teams from future UEFA competitions.
c) Demand immediate contact from the Municipality of Amsterdam, Ajax FC, and UEFA to discuss appropriate compensation for the financial losses and emotional distress suffered due to these events. The total financial damage amounts to €______, with an additional €_______ for the moral damages endured, which I am willing to donate to charity.
Failure to respond in a timely and satisfactory manner will leave me no choice but to take legal action to protect my rights and seek redress through the competent judicial authorities.
I await your prompt and courteous response.
Sincerely,
