UEFA has Published the ESG Report of EURO 2024
As Spain lifted the UEFA EURO 2024 trophy, it marked not only a victory on the field but the culmination of a tournament that placed sustainability, inclusion, and integrity at its core.
The UEFA EURO 2024 strategy was shaped around three core pillars: environmental, social and governance. This commitment drove the integration of ESG practices across all aspects of the tournament,
Climate Action: Sustainable Mobility and Carbon Footprint
The tournament set a new benchmark for environmental responsibility, focusing on reducing the carbon footprint associated with travel and stadium operations. UEFA introduced a range of sustainable mobility options for fans and staff, providing free public transport with every match ticket and offering discounted national and international rail passes. As a result, 81% of match ticket holders used public transport, significantly reducing road traffic and emissions.
Key achievements included:
- A 75% reduction in flights compared to EURO 2016, facilitated by strategic match scheduling and sustainable aviation fuel.
- A 10% reduction in operational carbon footprint, thanks to renewable energy and optimized travel logistics.
- Investment in grassroots climate projects, funded through a €7 million climate fund, supporting 272 initiatives and avoiding an estimated 60,000 tonnes of carbon emissions.
Social Inclusion: Accessibility, Safety, and Diversity
The social impact of UEFA EURO 2024 extended beyond the pitch, focusing on creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. The tournament made stadiums accessible to over 10,000 disabled fans, with measures including wheelchair spaces, audio-descriptive commentary (ADC) for visually impaired fans, and dedicated volunteers to assist with accessibility needs.
Other highlights included:
- An online abuse monitoring program in partnership with social media platforms
- The #FootbALL campaign, promoting inclusivity through several tools
- Dedicated child and youth protection policies
Governance: Transparency, Stakeholder Engagement, and Accountability
UEFA EURO 2024 set a new standard for governance, implementing a human rights risk assessment, sustainable procurement policies, and rigorous stakeholder engagement. A human rights declaration was signed in collaboration with the German government and various human rights organizations, and an external evaluation confirmed the tournament met or exceeded 95% of its pre-set targets.
Governance initiatives included:
- A multi-stakeholder human rights board to guide decision-making and ensure compliance with international standards
- Publication of sustainability-related documents and active participation in 20 forums, ensuring continuous engagement and transparency
- A third-party evaluation of sustainability performance, which awarded UEFA EURO 2024 the highest possible rating across 53 ESG criteria.
The comprehensive UEFA EURO 2024 ESG Report documents the transformative journey of this tournament, demonstrating how football can be a powerful force for positive social and environmental impact. By embedding ESG values into its core, UEFA has laid the foundation for a legacy that is truly More than Football.
You can find the full report here.
