Human Rights Day 2025: Making the game welcoming for all

Human rights are a guiding principle of our work and are embedded across all of our activities, from major tournaments to grassroots initiatives.

Human rights at the core of UEFA events

UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 was a landmark moment in demonstrating how human rights can be integrated into every stage of a major tournament.

Led by a dedicated Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy, we worked hand in hand with the Swiss federal government, host cities and the Swiss Football Association to create a tournament Human Rights Declaration, which set a clear standard for creating an event that respected, protected and promoted human rights for everybody. This was supported by the presence of dedicated human rights volunteers at all eight tournament stadiums.

We also established an independent Human Rights Advisory Board, bringing together civil society representatives, diversity and inclusion experts, public authorities and former players, whose insights shaped our approach and strengthened our commitment to transparency and continuous improvement.

Across our finals and events during the 2024/25 season, we implemented a total of 404 human rights-related activities, including training staff and volunteers, reporting and remedy mechanisms, online safety programmes and child and youth protection protocols dedicated to football events.

Accessibility for all

Accessibility is a cornerstone of inclusion and we strive to ensure that everyone can experience our events without barriers.

This starts well before the match, with audits of each venue carried out to ensure the highest possible standards. From audio-descriptive commentary for blind and partially sighted fans, to dedicated seating areas, accessible transport options and inclusive ticketing policies, our approach goes beyond compliance to create a truly welcoming environment for everybody.

Across the work of national associations, all 55 offer services for disabled fans and spectators at their national team events

We also work closely with disability organisations and fan groups to continuously improve accessibility standards across all of our competitions. Learn more about our accessibility initiatives here.

Supporting refugees

Football can be a lifeline for those forced to flee their homes. Through initiatives like the Unity EURO Cup, we promote social inclusion and integration for refugees and displaced people across Europe.

The Unity EURO Cup brings together mixed teams of refugees and local players, creating opportunities for friendship, cultural exchange and community building through football. By partnering with NGOs and local associations, we ensure these programmes provide not only access to the game but also pathways to education and social support.

These efforts reflect our belief that football is more than a sport – it is a powerful tool for hope, resilience and belonging.

Promoting health and well-being

Human rights encompass the right to health and well-being – and football can be a powerful driver of positive change. This year we launched our Take Care programme, which harnesses the game’s influence to inspire healthier lifestyles across Europe.

Covering six key areas – physical activity, nutrition, mental health, digital balance, road safety and substance awareness – Take Care offers science-based resources, practical tools, and dynamic content for schools, clubs, and communities.

Protecting people on- and offline

Human rights extend beyond the stadium. Our Online Safety Programme, first launched in 2022, was fully implemented during Women’s EURO 2025 to protect players, coaches, and referees from online abuse. Working closely with social media platforms, we monitored 443 accounts, identified 1,901 abusive posts, and reported 359 directly to platforms – two-thirds of which were removed.

Prevention is just as important as response, and ahead of the event, players and national associations/ clubs received guidance on securing their accounts and managing online risks. Sssociations were also provided with detailed reports to escalate cases to local law enforcement where necessary.

This builds on our wider commitment to tackling online abuse related to all of our competitions. During the 2024/25 season, our monitoring covered UEFA Champions League, Women’s Champions League, Europa League, Conference League and international tournaments. Across these competitions:

• 53,000 accounts were monitored
• 36,000 abusive posts were detected
• 16,000 posts were escalated to platforms for removal
• Over 80% of flagged content was actioned

Driving global impact

Our extensive human rights work is also closely tied to the United Nations Football for the Goals initiative, reinforcing our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through football, we aim to create positive social impact and a continued legacy of respect, inclusion and opportunity for all.

Creating a game for all

Our #FootbALL campaign continues to champion diversity and inclusion across European football. This year, we launched a dedicated social sustainability platform, connecting experts, institutions and stakeholders to share projects, resources and ideas.

UEFA via Getty Images

#FootbALL is visible on advertising boards and big screens across our competitions, engaging fans and raising awareness that the game is for everyone. Through campaigns, education and advocacy, we aim to foster a culture of respect and belonging throughout the sport.