UEFA and FSE: United to make football inclusive and fan-focused
Monday, July 7, 2025
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Last week, we joined supporters from across Europe in Malmö for the 2025 European Football Fan Congress (EFFC) - a unique gathering designed to shape a sustainable and united future for football in Europe.
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The event was led by Football Supporters Europe (FSE), bringing us together with fans, European stakeholders and experts to discuss how to address shared challenges and enhance the game.
Our participation in the congress reflects a broader, long-standing commitment: to make football more accessible, inclusive and welcoming to all fans at UEFA matches and events.
Whether it’s by enhancing stadium infrastructure regulations, improving hosting conditions for visiting fans or strengthening meaningful engagement with supporters before and after matches, we are working to ensure that every matchday is a positive and enjoyable experience – both on and off the pitch.
"It’s fantastic to see supporters, stakeholders & attendees from over 30 UEFA nations and beyond gathered here, driven by a shared vision of what we can accomplish when we stand together."
Listening to fans, improving the game
Fans are at the heart of football, and their voices matter. That’s why we work closely with FSE to understand the needs of fans across Europe and shape policies that reflect their experiences. Through structured collaboration and meaningful dialogue, we aim to build trust, overcome challenges, and create a matchday environment that is safe, respectful, and engaging to all.
Women's EURO 2025: A new chapter in fan dialogue
Our commitment to fan engagement extends across all competitions. For the first time, structured supporter dialogue is being integrated into the UEFA Women’s EURO, with UEFA hosting the first-ever Fan Forum in the women’s game earlier this year. This marks a significant evolution from Women’s EURO 2022 and reflects our shared ambition to ensure that all fans—regardless of gender, background, or ability—have a voice in shaping the future of football.
Human Rights at UEFA tournaments
At UEFA, we are committed to respecting, protecting and promoting human rights at our tournaments through a comprehensive set of measures designed to ensure the welfare and safety of all participants and spectators.
A core session took place at EFFC looking back at the significant Human Rights measures in place for Men’s Euro 2024 and how these measure will be adapted and implemented at Women’s Euro 2025 in Switzerland.
Given the dynamic nature of event delivery, we have established an innovative and collaborative human rights advisory board to support the implementation of the wide range of activities. More information on these activities can be found here.
Concrete measures to improve fan experience
Our partnership with FSE is built on shared values and a joint commitment to improving the fan experience, which we translate into real-life improvements at the stadium.
One of the key pillars of this collaboration is the Supporter Liaison Officer (SLO) network. SLOs act as a bridge between clubs and fans, helping to ensure that supporters are heard and their needs are considered in decision-making.
To support this vital role, UEFA and FSE have developed dedicated training through the UEFA Academy, equipping SLOs with the tools and knowledge they need to fulfil their role effectively.
This work is guided by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2023, which outlines shared priorities through to 2026 - including strengthening the SLO network, promoting national-level fan dialogue, and enhancing the matchday experience at UEFA competitions.
Launch of the disability & inclusion fan network
A major highlight of this year’s congress is the launch of the FSE Disability & Inclusion Fan Network, supported by UEFA. Bringing together 25 participants from 17 countries, the network aims to amplify the voices of disabled supporters and advocate for more inclusive and accessible stadiums. UEFA Deputy General Secretary Giorgio Marchetti officially launched the network and delivered the opening address at the Congress.
"We are proud of our long-standing partnership with FSE. It is a relationship built on mutual respect, constructive dialogue, and a shared belief in the power of fans to drive meaningful change. The launch of the FSE Disability & Inclusion Fan Network represents a powerful new chapter in our shared commitment to inclusion and we look forward to continuing our cooperation to make our game more inclusive and accessible for all fans.”