Atlético de Madrid becomes first club to receive AccessibAll Access Champions Certification

AccessibAll is proud to announce that Atlético de Madrid has become the very first football club to receive the prestigious Access Champions Certification.

The award was presented on Sunday 18 May at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, marking a pivotal milestone in accessible sport leadership.

This isn’t just a milestone, it is a powerful statement. Inclusion in football isn’t about ticking boxes or meeting checklists; it’s about how we treat people. When a club genuinely values how every supporter is welcomed, especially disabled supporters, that’s when football becomes truly universal.

"This certification isn’t about judgement—it’s about enabling progress. We built it with clubs and operators to be practical and people-focused. Sponsors told us clearly: when a club holds a certification aligned with business and sustainability goals, it stands out. That shaped this into a strategic asset, not just a compliance tool"

Olivier Jarosz, AccessibAll Chief Executive Officer

Setting a New Benchmark for Inclusion

Built on more than 15 years of expertise and over 200 stadium audits conducted for governing bodies including UEFA and FIFA, AccessibAll’s Access Champions Certification introduces a beyond standard for accessibility and inclusive practices across the global sports and entertainment landscape.

The assessment model goes beyond the physical environment, embedding inclusion into the heart of an organisation’s culture and operations. It is grounded in six core pillars:

Infrastructure Accessibility
Fan Engagement & Community Building
Digital Accessibility
Matchday Services for Disabled Fans
Services for Visiting Disabled Fans
Leadership & Awareness in the Disability Space

A Three-Tiered Certification Journey

The certification pathway has been designed with practicality and ambition in mind, offering progressive levels of achievement for club internal purposes:

Easy Access Guide – A self-assessment toolkit powered by our Access Academy
AccessibAll Recognition – A three-year designation awarded following on-site evaluation, with tiered honours such as AAA Grand Master, AA International Master, and A Master.
Access Champions Certification – The highest distinction with active knowledge-sharing at the AccessibAll Global Summit.

This is more than a badge it is a strategic framework designed to:

Create inclusive fan experiences
Build stronger bonds with supporters and partners
Drive innovation with purpose

Changing the Game with Culture and Commitment

The Access Champions Certification reflects a foundational belief: accessibility is not a checklist it is a cultural shift. Whether digital or physical, inclusive practices have become a real competitive advantage and a powerful reflection of a club’s values. Inclusion has never been about flashy infrastructure; it’s about a mindset. When disabled fans consider visiting a club, many would choose one with an older ground and a genuine staff and commitment to improvement over one that’s waiting for a new stadium to start caring. Accessibility begins with attitude: right here, right now.

“With this recognition, we have become the first football club in the world to achieve this distinction. Something that fills us with pride and encourages us to continue improving in this commitment to making football a sport for all abilities. It has been a great experience to work together in this project"

Rocío Torres, Head of Sustainability & Responsible Business at Atlético de Madrid

Leading the Way for Football’s Future

This certification sends a clear message to clubs, leagues, and venue operators: the time for inclusive action is now. It is an opportunity to lead, inspire, and shape football as a sport for all.

“This recognition goes to those who choose progress over perfection” concluded Olivier Jarosz. “High demand for accessible experiences is not just a signal, it’s a call to go further than the minimum and embrace what fans are truly asking for.”

Want to know more? Reach us and download more information here (PDF). Also available in French.

Published 22/5/2025

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