Man with service dog initially stopped at FIFA match but later admitted after 15-minute delay

A disabled Massachusetts man filed a lawsuit alleging he was initially denied entry to a FIFA Club World Cup match at Gillette Stadium because security demanded paperwork for his service dog. Newsweek reported that the plaintiff attended the Haiti-Scotland match on June 13 at the Foxborough stadium with his two children and trained service dog.

A security employee stopped him at the entrance and required documentation proving the dog's status, despite federal rules that generally bar such demands.

He was held outside for about 15 minutes while other fans entered. A supervisor later allowed entry without the paperwork. The plaintiff alleges the delay humiliated him and caused anxiety and emotional distress.

The complaint, reviewed by Newsweek, claims violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Massachusetts anti-discrimination laws. It further alleges that defendants failed to train security staff on service animal rules and applied accessibility procedures unevenly during the tournament.

The suit seeks compensatory damages, a court declaration of violations, an injunction barring documentation requirements for service animals, mandatory ADA training for staff, written policies on service animals, record preservation, and attorneys' fees.

It also demands a jury trial. Defendants have not yet filed responses. The filing follows earlier criticism of FIFA's handling of accessible tickets and seating prices for disabled fans.