Equality, diversity and inclusion
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Article summary
We recognise that football’s respect for equality and diversity builds bridges and breaks down barriers, giving the game enormous potential to unite communities behind positive social change.
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Article body
European football’s power for good is rooted in the rich diversity of people attracted to the game at all levels. Whatever their background or type of involvement, our community is united by a love of the beautiful game and its fundamental values like respect and equality.
To unlock football’s potential to drive positive social change, it is vital that everyone continues to enjoy equal access to the game, regardless of ability, age, belief, ethnic origin, gender or sexual orientation.
"Football, with its universal language, can break barriers and unite hearts. By opening its arms to all, … it creates a level playing field where everyone feels welcome.”
FootbALL
Launched in June 2023, UEFA’s FootbALL programme lies at the heart of our efforts to work with stakeholders to safeguard the game’s inclusivity and fully leverage its influence to improve society.
The programme is underpinned by three pillars: campaign, platform and activation. Its core message – “In football, everyone is welcome” – will connect all our social sustainability activities, events and campaigns, including the OUTRAGED educational initiative.
Video campaign launch
The Unity EURO Cup
In 2022, UEFA added a new tournament to the European football landscape, the Unity EURO Cup. But this unique event is more than just a competition – it is a celebration of the game's power to unite people, regardless of their background.
The tournament is organised by UEFA in collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The two institutions have worked in partnership since 2021, sharing a commitment to using football as a tool for social inclusion.
Under UEFA's Football Sustainability Strategy 2030, there is a strong focus on promoting the integration of refugees through sport, while UNHCR's Sport Strategy – More Than a Game – aligns with this vision, focusing on the role of sport in enhancing the lives of displaced people.
"Football is a unifying force in a world burdened by barriers. This tournament beautifully exemplifies our sport's profound impact on people's lives and promotes the values that UNHCR and UEFA stand for."
The annual Unity EURO Cup is an amateur tournament, following a seven-a-side format that features mixed-gender teams of refugees and players from their host communities, each representing a UEFA national association.
In a version expanded to 18 teams, the fourth edition will be hosted by the Royal Netherlands Football Association. It will take place on the KNVB Campus in Zeist, on 15 October 2025.
Inside UEFA
From developing inclusive language guidelines to ensuring accessibility, our commitment to equality starts with our own staff at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland.
We review regulations and policies, identifying potential risks and mitigating actions across financial, operational, reputational and strategic activities. We also prioritise workplace equality, conducting regular, confidential surveys to evaluate how our community lives diversity and inclusion so we can adapt to employee expectations and requirements.
Since 2021, we have worked with external auditors to ensure that our salary and compensation structures are equal for men and women across the organisation. Audits of the structures are performed on a yearly basis, to ensure that there is continuous review of the situation, and that we continue our efforts on ensuring equal pay for equal work.
