UEFA EURO 2024 in Germany transcended exceptional gameplay, emerging as a powerful demonstration of football’s societal impact and a catalyst for positive change. The recently released UEFA EURO 2024 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report highlights a substantial investment of €29.6 million aimed at sustainability, showcasing over 120 initiatives that achieved 95% of pre-tournament goals. This effort was not only about reducing the tournament’s environmental footprint but also about aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, illustrating football’s potential to lead by example.
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin emphasized that the event was a global movement, with packed stadiums and millions of viewers worldwide, all while prioritizing sustainability, inclusion, and integrity. He believes the report underscores football’s ability to inspire positive change and foster respect for people and the environment. Bernd Neuendorf, President of the German Football Association (DFB), praised the collaborative efforts that made sustainability a focal point of EURO 2024, expressing a commitment to continue this approach, especially in future events like the 2029 UEFA Women’s European Championship.
A notable achievement of the tournament was the significant reduction in carbon emissions. By promoting safe and reliable public transport and clustering group stage matches in regional hubs, the tournament minimized air travel by 75% compared to EURO 2016, resulting in a 21% overall reduction in carbon emissions. Emphasizing a circular economy, the tournament adopted the 4R principles—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Recover—which led to a 36% decrease in waste.
Moreover, a €7 million Climate Fund was established to support 272 sustainable infrastructure projects across Germany, leaving a lasting environmental legacy. Nancy Faeser, Germany’s Federal Minister of the Interior and Community, reflected on the tournament as an opportunity to showcase Germany’s values of respect, diversity, and democratic principles, while striving for a fully sustainable event.
In addition to environmental efforts, UEFA focused on social impact and human rights, enhancing services for over 10,000 disabled fans and implementing rapid response initiatives to combat abuse and discrimination. The tournament made strides in affordability, offering 387,000 tickets at just €30, ensuring accessibility for fans from diverse backgrounds.
Good governance was central to EURO 2024, with initiatives like the #FootbALL and 4R campaigns engaging billions globally. This commitment to sustainability will extend to the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 in Switzerland and future UEFA competition finals, demonstrating that football can effectively promote lasting positive change.
