A delegation from the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy's (SC) Accessibility Forum attended the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ to take part in observation and analysis exercises, with a view to returning to Qatar and sharing knowledge and experiences in the lead-up to 2022.

Fifteen members of the forum, which was launched by the SC in 2016 and is tasked with making the 2022 FIFA World Cup™ the most accessible in history, travelled to Moscow to visit key venues, including stadiums and fan parks, and test the transportation systems.

Hosted by FIFA's sustainability team, the group began their trip with a visit to Luzhniki Stadium, which hosted the 2018 FIFA World Cup™ final. Samantha Sifah, the SC's Head of Community Outreach, led the visit and outlines below why the trip will support forum objectives in Qatar.

Why did you encourage the Accessibility Forum to travel to Russia for the World Cup?

Mega events play a significant role in changing the public perception towards people with disabilities. We hope that in 2022 everything will be accessible to all in Qatar, including tournament infrastructure, such as stadiums, and other facilities across the country. The accessible features in the stadium and surrounding areas will mean that people with disabilities can attend on their own, with the same autonomy of any other fan enjoying a match.

In Qatar we will work tirelessly to make the World Cup the most accessible tournament yet, and we believe it's important to learn from previous tournaments, such as the one in Russia. Visiting Moscow during the tournament was a golden opportunity for forum members.

What did you learn from this observation trip?

This is the first tournament where accessibility standards have been mandated by FIFA. In 2022 the requirements are likely to be even greater, with inclusion and accessibility being a primary requirement for each competition and non-competition venue.

As well as within the stadium, forum members witnessed the numerous design, organisational and structural measures in place to ensure all fans can reach the stadium without hindrance. These included ensuring all routes to the venue are clear and free of all obstructions, and that ramps on roadside curbs were in place for those in wheelchairs.

What special features does Luzhniki Stadium have to make it suitable to host fans with disabilities?

We found that of the stadium's 18 gates, four were dedicated for special access ticket holders, with a total of seven accessible platform lifts for people with limited mobility, and 254 wheelchair seats.

We also observed the use of accessible golf carts being dispatched from the easily identifiable blue-signed 'Accessibility Assistance Points' – to transport people with disabilities to the stadium entrance. The points also provided people with disabilities free wheelchairs, staffing assistance and transportation around the stadium precinct.

What are other mandatory requirements by FIFA in terms of transport around the venue?

The host city has to provide a shuttle bus service if the parking area is more than 50m from the stadium entrance. Within the Luzhniki Stadium precinct, the group met with the stadium's spectator services team and were shown the accessible measures in place at the car parking areas. They found that 6% of the overall spaces are allocated for those with disabilities, with plenty of stations and benches for spectators to rest from the parking lot to the stadium.

What are the next steps for the Accessibility Forum after Russia 2018?

The project began in 2016 by a group of people committed to ensuring everybody can enjoy Qatar 2022 and a brighter future. Members will continue to share their expertise with government entities in Qatar to assist them in the planning phase to ensure accessibility is woven into the fabric of all development to come across the country.

Find out more about the Accessibility Forum.