Spanish Football Champions Inclusivity with Upcoming Matches for Disabled Fans
Spanish football is preparing for its third inclusive match to promote accessibility for disabled fans.
- • Only 1% of Spanish stadiums are accessible for individuals with disabilities.
- • The first inclusive football match was hosted by Real Betis in 2023 with 1,740 disabled attendees.
- • The second inclusive match was organized by Atlético de Madrid in 2024, highlighting the importance of inclusion.
- • The third inclusive match will take place at Anoeta featuring Real Sociedad and Rayo Vallecano.
Key details
On October 2, 2025, Spanish football is taking significant steps towards inclusivity, with a third inclusive match set to take place this Sunday featuring Real Sociedad against Rayo Vallecano at Anoeta Stadium. This initiative aims to raise awareness about disability access in football arenas as only 1% of Spanish stadiums are currently accessible for individuals with disabilities, a stark contrast to the 16% of the global population who are disabled according to the World Health Organization.
The concept of inclusive matches was pioneered in 2023 by the World Football Summit and the Portuguese foundation Integrated Dreams, with Real Betis hosting the inaugural game. That event saw 1,740 disabled attendees representing 2.9% of Betis’ stadium capacity, marking a historic moment in Spanish sports. In 2024, Atlético de Madrid followed suit, organizing their own inclusive match during a UEFA Champions League game, which was attended by Minister of Inclusion, Migration, and Social Security, Elma Saiz.
The upcoming match at Anoeta promises to include activities that will highlight accessibility barriers faced by disabled fans, reinforcing the message that inclusivity is essential for community integration in sports. As noted by Marian Otamendi, CEO of World Football Summit, the football industry must transform its approach to disability, emphasizing not just social responsibility, but also the economic benefits that inclusivity can bring.
Increasingly, football authorities in Spain are being urged to host inclusive matches regularly to set a standard in the sport, akin to the growing trend seen in countries like France, where Ligue 1 has also planned its first inclusive match for March 2026. The call for these initiatives emphasizes the need for a shift in perspective regarding the involvement of disabled individuals in football, acknowledging them not just as fans but as vital members of the football community.
This article was translated and synthesized from Spanish sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
Source articles (2)
Source comparison
Details of the second inclusive match
Sources differ on the details of the second inclusive match: one states it was during a UEFA Champions League game against Lille, while the other does not specify the opponent.
elpais.com
"The second inclusive match occurred in 2024, organized by Atlético de Madrid with support from Minister Elma Saiz."
elpais.com
"The second inclusive match, organized by Atlético de Madrid in 2024 during a UEFA Champions League game against Lille, was supported by club president Enrique Cerezo and attended by the Minister of Inclusion, Migration, and Social Security, Elma Saiz."
Why this matters: This discrepancy matters because it provides context about the significance of the second match. Mentioning that it was a UEFA Champions League game adds prestige and highlights the importance of the event in raising awareness for inclusivity in football.