A judge has declared that he is an Arsenal FC season ticket holder at the start of a £100m insurance case in which the football club is a party.

Mr Justice Jacobs revealed he has held a seat at the Emirates ‘for many years’ and asked counsel whether that might cause any issues as he presides in a case in which Arsenal and other current and former Premier League football clubs are suing their insurers.

The case concerns the six insurers’ obligations to indemnify the football clubs for business interruption loss suffered during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

It was revealed during the hearing that counsel for the insurers, Alistair Schaff KC, is also an Arsenal season ticket holder.

Mr Justice Jacobs, at the start of the hearing in the Rolls Building on Thursday, said: ‘Can I just mention that I am a season ticket holder. I have been a season ticket holder for many, many years. I do not think that affects my ability to deal with the case.’

Business and Property Court, Rolls Building, London

Business and Property Court, Rolls Building, London

Source: Michael Cross

Business and Property Court, Rolls Building, London

Schaff and Andrew Green KC, the barrister representing Arsenal, the other football clubs and companies associated with the clubs, both agreed the judge should continue with the case.

‘I think Mr Schaff may be a season ticket holder himself’, Mr Justice Jacobs added. Schaff revealed he is.

Arsenal and the other 19 claimants allege they suffered significant losses caused by interruption or interference to their businesses due to decisions of the football authorities and the UK government during Covid, court documents show. They are suing the insurers for loss of revenue - primarily ticket revenue - and some costs of continuing to operate during the period. 

The current total value of all claims comes to £98,666,697 and further claims may be added, court documents show.

The insurers - Allianz, Aviva, CNA, Liberty, Amlin Underwriting and Zurich - conceded they are liable to each football club in the sum of £2.5 million and made interim payments, but deny any further liability. 

The other Premier League clubs party to the case are Liverpool, Crystal Palace, Tottenham, West Ham, Brighton and Aston Villa. Leicester City, relegated to the Championship last season, is also a party.

A date for the trial was due to be fixed.

 

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