New UEFA playbook to guide sustainability reporting

As expectations for transparency and accountability increase, organisations must show progress through structured and reliable reporting of their activities, enabling them to move from high-level commitments to credible, measurable action.

Reporting is a core element of our sustainability approach, and the playbook offers a shared, practical framework that aligns with the UEFA sustainability strategy, Strength Through Unity. It sets out key reporting principles, provides a clear roadmap for ongoing improvement and includes examples that help organisations strengthen their practices regardless of size or maturity.

The playbook also shares UEFA's own insights and the lessons we have learned, summarises international standards and offers benchmarking insights, helping to position efforts within the wider European and global reporting landscape.

Why is sustainability reporting important to European football?

Clear, data driven reporting strengthens decision making across the football ecosystem. It helps associations, leagues and clubs identify improvement areas, guide strategic investment and demonstrate progress.

Robust reporting also builds trust with stakeholders, including local communities, fans, investors and sponsors, while supporting credible third party verification.

Sustainability reporting requirements have evolved significantly, including updates to UEFA Club Licensing regulations. The playbook responds to these needs with practical, scalable guidance tailored to the realities of football operations.

The positive power of football

Strength Through Unity underlines the sport's potential to drive positive change through its reach and cultural influence. By promoting consistent reporting practices, we aim to set a benchmark for the industry and help organisations embed sustainability within their daily operations.

Reporting should be viewed not simply as a compliance requirement but as a strategic tool. When integrated into planning and decision making, reporting supports effective resource allocation, long term progress tracking and clear communication of achievements.

The new reporting playbook is an important step towards a more sustainable football landscape. By providing a clear and actionable framework, we want to promote transparency, accountability and collective progress – ensuring the game continues to deliver positive impact for generations to come.