UEFA and European Leagues launch Football Event Sustainability Manual to elevate sustainable operations

The Football Event Sustainability Manual brings together, for the first time, all UEFA sustainability guidance into a single, accessible resource, offering practical tools that clubs, leagues and national associations can directly apply to their day‑to‑day event operations.

A tailored, flexible resource for every organiser

Built in collaboration with the European Leagues, the manual follows a flexible 'pick‑and‑drop' approach, enabling users to select and adapt the sustainability practices most relevant to their specific event needs. This allows organisers of single‑day or multi‑day events – regardless of scale or maturity – to adopt meaningful, achievable sustainability measures at their own pace and operational reality.

The publication also aligns with UEFA's Football Sustainability Strategy 2030: Strength Through Unity, reinforcing the shared objective of reducing environmental impact while increasing positive social outcomes across European football.

Structured guidance from planning to post‑event

The manual follows a clear ESG‑based structure, covering the full event lifecycle – pre‑event planning, implementation during the event and post‑event debrief. Each chapter includes contextual guidance, objectives and challenges, plus a set of solutions that feature both basic and advanced recommendations to cater to varying levels of organisational experience. Supporting checklists help users translate recommendations into action.

Circular economy principles are a mainstay of UEFA eventsChris Ricco/UEFA via Getty Images

Real‑world examples from across Europe

To inspire innovation and highlight what's already possible, the manual features case studies contributed by leagues and clubs across the continent. These include mobility solutions from the Swiss Football League, water‑conservation leadership from the Eredivisie, autism‑friendly matchday experiences at Waterford FC and governance‑focused sustainability efforts at SC Freiburg. Each example demonstrates how sustainable practices can be customised to local contexts while generating measurable impact.

Empowering the football ecosystem

Through its three core goals – enable, empower and elevate – the manual offers clear guidance, actionable tools and good practices that stakeholders can adopt to strengthen their sustainability culture. It also forms part of UEFA's wider approach to knowledge development and dissemination, complemented by coaching and cascading training through leagues and clubs.