UEFA Calls for Sustainable Travel at the European Championship in Germany
UEFA, the governing body of European football, has made a significant move towards sustainability by urging teams participating in the upcoming men’s European Championship in Germany to avoid flying between matches. This initiative is part of UEFA’s goal to make the tournament “the most sustainable European Championship of all time.”
In the previous edition of the Euros, matches were held across 11 European countries, resulting in some teams having to travel over 6000 miles during the group stages alone. However, UEFA has now regionalized the group-stage matches to encourage land travel. Games will take place in clusters in Germany’s north, west, and south, reducing the need for air travel. Additionally, fans attending the tournament will be offered discounts on long-distance train journeys, further promoting sustainable transportation options.
Michele Uva, UEFA’s director for social and environmental sustainability, expressed the organization’s commitment to leading by example and delivering the tournament to the highest sustainability standards. By prioritizing sustainable travel, UEFA aims to minimize the carbon footprint associated with the event.
The final teams competing in the European Championship will not be determined until the play-offs on March 26 next year. However, the majority of teams are expected to qualify through their groups, which are scheduled to conclude this November. This gives UEFA and the participating teams ample time to plan and implement sustainable travel arrangements.
In addition to encouraging sustainable travel among teams, UEFA is also urging fans to be more carbon conscious during the Euros. In collaboration with German authorities, spectators with a match ticket will be able to use local public transport for 36 hours on a game day from 6 am until 6 pm the following day. This initiative aims to reduce individual car usage and promote eco-friendly transportation options for fans attending the matches.
The move by UEFA has been praised by environmental organizations and advocates for sustainable sports. Frank Huisingh, founder of Fossil Free Football, commended UEFA and the German organizers for their leadership in addressing the emissions associated with travel, which is typically the largest source of emissions from sporting events. However, Huisingh also raised concerns about the sponsorship deals of UEFA, particularly the Champions League’s association with an airline. He emphasized the importance of consistency in promoting sustainability across all tournaments and advertising platforms.
This focus on sustainability in football tournaments is not new. Last winter’s men’s World Cup in Qatar garnered attention for claiming to be carbon-neutral. However, this claim was later ruled as “false and misleading” by the Swiss advertising regulator. The upcoming Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand has also faced scrutiny regarding its sustainability goals. The Athletic recently investigated FIFA’s sustainability efforts and the lessons learned from the Qatar World Cup.
As the world becomes increasingly aware of the urgent need to address climate change, sports events have a crucial role to play in promoting sustainable practices. By prioritizing sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions associated with transportation, UEFA is setting a positive example for other sporting organizations to follow. The success of these initiatives will not only contribute to a more sustainable future but also enhance the overall experience for players, fans, and the environment.
In conclusion, UEFA’s call for sustainable travel at the European Championship in Germany marks a significant step towards reducing the carbon footprint of football tournaments. By regionalizing matches and encouraging land travel, UEFA aims to make the tournament the most sustainable European Championship to date. The organization’s commitment to sustainability sets an example for other sporting events and emphasizes the importance of collective efforts in tackling climate change. As fans and participants, we have a responsibility to support these initiatives and contribute to a greener future for football and the planet.