The Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability (CRPD) is ready to take its case against the Malta Football Association to the European Court unless its appeal for greater accessibility to the Ta’ Qali stadium is approved by the courts.

In court, the commission argued that the MFA breached the Equal Opportunities Act through its lack of accessible wheelchair enclosures.

The Commission last week appealed a court decision that had found that the MFA was not guilty of discriminatory behaviour.

Commissioner for the Rights of People with Disability Oliver Scicluna insists the move went against the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, saying he looks forward to “taking the case up to the European Court”, if local courts do not ensure the Ta’ Qali stadium becmes more accessible to disabled people.

“The court should have at least enforced a deadline for the stadium to become accessible,” Mr Scicluna said.

He added the court decision was made after concerns were raised that the stadium would have to close down to make the necessary changes, potentially stalling football games.

“These are pointless and stupid reasons,” Mr Scicluna said. “People have repeatedly lamented that the only bathroom for those with disabilities at the Ta’ Qali stadium is repeatedly closed and that the canteen is not accessible.”

Speaking at a national conference on the rights of people with disabilities, Mr Scicluna insisted the court ruling set a dangerous precedent.

“This sentence might be used to affirm other court decisions against accessibility,” he said, pointing out that it was useless for the commission to speak about rights when the highest institution in the country failed to protect them. People with disabilities needed to succeed, not just get by, Mr Scicluna insisted. They want a job, not out of pity, but because they have a right to be employed.

Asked about taking the case to the EU, the MFA said it would “await a final pronouncement after the appeal. Any comment at this stage would be premature. Everyone is entitled to seek remedies. We will act accordingly”.

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