UEFA EURO 2024 in Germany went beyond incredible gameplay and memorable moments on the pitch. It was a celebration of football’s impact on society, setting new records and bringing about change that extends far beyond the field.

Beyond the excitement of matches and the vibrant atmosphere in stadiums and fan zones, UEFA set out to redefine sustainable event organisation, a commitment reflected in the publication of the UEFA EURO 2024 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Reportwhich will be presented in Frankfurt on November 1 at 11:00 CET.

Ambition, action and responsibility

With a mission based on ambition, action and responsibility, the tournament aimed to leave a lasting legacy that extended far beyond the field. A strategic investment of 29.6 million euros allowed UEFA to implement more than 120 sustainability actions, achieving 95% of its pre-tournament objectives.

Through targeted data-driven initiatives, the tournament significantly reduced its environmental impact, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and demonstrated how football can lead by example.

Reduce carbon emissions

One of the key successes was reducing the tournament’s carbon footprint. By offering safe, reliable and enjoyable public and active transport options, EURO 2024 encouraged fans to travel sustainably. Furthermore, the group stage matches were grouped in regional centres, Minimize air travel by 75%. compared to Euro 2016.

Overall, these measures led to a 21% reduction in carbon emissions compared to initial forecasts. The tournament also adopted a circular economy model through its 4R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Recover) principles, resulting in a 36% waste reduction compared to Euro 2016.

Furthermore, the establishment of a one-of-a-kind system Climate Fund of 7 million euros It supported 272 sustainable infrastructure projects for amateur clubs and regional associations across Germany, leaving a lasting environmental legacy.

Nancy Faeser, Federal Minister of the Interior and Community of Germany, said: “The hosting of UEFA EURO 2024 was a very special occasion for our country. Germany presented itself as a good host and we had the opportunity to show what our country represents: respect, diversity and democratic values. It was a peaceful and safe tournament. Those four weeks brought us closer as a society in the heart of Europe. “Together we were able to achieve our goal of organizing a tournament that is sustainable in all respects and setting standards for future major sporting events in Germany – in social, environmental and economic terms.”

Creating lasting positive change

UEFA via Getty Images

UEFA also prioritized social impact and respect for human rights. Improved stadium services allowed more than 10,000 disabled fans to feel the energy of the matches live. Rapid response initiatives addressed abuse and discrimination in real time, both online and in-person at locations. Match observers attended all high-risk matches, while UEFA worked with Meta, X and TikTok to monitor social media accounts for abuse. In total, 46 specific actions protected the rights, safety and dignity of all fans, players and staff.

Affordability and inclusivity were key to making the tournament accessible to all. UEFA made 387,000 tickets available for just €30, guaranteeing the attendance of fans of all backgrounds. Additionally, all 10 venues offered healthy food and drink options to promote spectator well-being.

Good governance was at the heart of EURO 2024, with a strong emphasis on education, transparency and accountability. Through initiatives such as the #FootbALL and 4R campaigns, UEFA attracted 5.4 billion viewers around the world, demonstrating how sustainability and football can go hand in hand to create lasting positive change.

The same ESG framework is being applied to UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 in Switzerland, as well as all UEFA competition finals.