UEFA gave full backing to its social responsibility partner World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) by taking part in the WWF's Earth Hour on Saturday – meaning the lights went out at UEFA headquarters between 20.30 and 21.30CET.

European football's governing body, for a third time, lent its support to the WWF Earth Hour campaign which took effect across the globe to highlight the problem of climate change. UEFA's involvement resulted in a blackout at its House of European Football HQ in Nyon, Switzerland – as the lights were switched off for one hour on Saturday evening at the premises on the shores of Lake Geneva.

The aim of the Earth Hour initiative was for people in towns and cities throughout the world to show commitment to positive action to help the planet. Groups, individuals, businesses, cities and governments in more than 128 countries spanning every continent had confirmed their participation. Iconic buildings and landmarks from Europe through Asia to the Americas stood in darkness during the hour-long show of global unity.