UEFA signs new sustainability agreement with the Japanese FA
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
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We are pleased to announce a new sustainability cooperation protocol with the Japanese Football Association (JFA).
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Guided by the impact and learnings of our Football Sustainability Strategy 2030, we will share knowledge and expertise to support the JFA's own sustainability initiative, Asu-Pass!.
The JFA is a member of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and both UEFA and JFA are in regular contact with AFC to exchange on sustainability matters. Through this new partnership, the JFA will leverage European football's best practices to strengthen their social and environmental efforts, sharing guidance with its 47 regional associations, partners and the wider football community.
UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin said: "Sustainability in football must be clear, practical and action-oriented: using less, wasting less, and leaving the game and all around it stronger for the next generation. It is about protecting the environment, but also about people - their health, education and communities – and about using football’s reach to create lasting impact beyond the pitch.
"Japanese football reflects values that are essential to sustainability: respect, discipline, collective responsibility and care for the wider community. These values are evident in how the game is played, organised and supported across Japan. That makes the JFA a strong and natural ally. Through this protocol of cooperation, we want to turn our shared values into practical action, learn from one another, and create lasting benefit for football and for society."
Our international collaboration
JFA president Tsuneyasu Miyamoto added: "I am very encouraged that we have concluded this protocol of cooperation in the field of sustainability with UEFA. In the global football community today, how we address social issues –such as climate change, human rights, discrimination, and safeguarding – has become a crucial theme, alongside athletic performance and business growth. Through my own international activities and dialogues with stakeholders from various countries, I strongly feel that sustainability is an indispensable theme when considering the future of football.
"In JFA's growth strategy for 2026 to 2031, we have positioned sustainability as one of our three 'beams.' Under our social action programme, Asu-pass!, we are advancing initiatives centered on five key areas: planet, people, well-being, education, and community.
"Japan possesses a football culture that connects people, built upon community-rooted activities across all 47 prefectures. Through this partnership with UEFA, we hope to further develop Japan's unique form of sustainability while learning from leading global expertise and practices.
"Furthermore, we aim to share the insights gained from this cooperation with the 47 prefectural football associations, various federations, partner companies, and the entire football family nationwide. Together, through football, we want to contribute to a better society and a brighter future."
Further activities will include feedback on the JFA's sustainability focus areas, identification of key performance indicators and the provision of UEFA workshops, materials, guidelines and toolkits to assist the JFA in fostering a sustainable sporting environment.
The relationship is the latest example of our teamwork with confederations and national associations outside of Europe, joining forces to develop the game and deepen its positive impact all over the world.