Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
UEFA and the European Football Clubs (EFC) initiative launched a joint Sustainability Cooperation Plan to help football clubs integrate sustainability into both long-term strategy and daily operations. Covering the 2025/26 and 2026/27 seasons, the plan provides tailored sustainability strategies, educational support, and facilitates dialogue between clubs, associations, and leagues, positioning sustainability as a strategic investment that creates long-term value for football and society.
Since October, nine in-person sustainability roadshow events have been held in Belgium, Czechia, England, France, Greece, Hungary, Portugal, Spain, and Türkiye. These sessions gathered clubs, leagues, and national associations to discuss local sustainability contexts, share experiences, and identify challenges and support needs. In total, 185 clubs participated. The discussions showed significant variability in sustainability efforts, with some clubs having dedicated teams and formal strategies, while others focused on specific initiatives. For example, Greek clubs prioritized football for people with disabilities and accessibility; Turkish clubs focused on stadium energy efficiency; and French clubs considered environmental responsibility and transport in their licensing criteria using a points-based system.
A collaborative approach was evident, as clubs with more advanced initiatives supported others within their national ecosystems. National associations and leagues are considering how licensing, guidance, and shared learning can formalize progress in sustainability practices.
Alongside the roadshows, five joint UEFA-EFC webinars gave club representatives and sustainability managers detailed guidance on equality, diversity and inclusion, climate action, health and wellbeing, child and youth protection, and UEFA’s club licensing system, which helps raise sustainability standards across Europe. Across these webinars, 761 participants from 357 EFC member clubs took part, further developing expertise and commitment to sustainable football practices.