UEFA and Centre for Sport and Human Rights strengthen cooperation
Wednesday, November 11, 2026
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The agreement runs until the end of 2028 and sets out how the two organisations will work together to embed respect for human rights in all areas of European football.
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We are pleased to announce the signing of a new cooperation agreement with the Centre for Sport and Human Rights (CSHR), building on a longstanding partnership to promote and protect human rights across European football.
Signed by UEFA general secretary Theodore Theodoridis and UEFA vice-president Laura McAllister on behalf of UEFA, and Mary Harvey on behalf of the Centre, the agreement sets out joint priorities through to the end of 2028, extending a cooperation that has included initiatives linked to UEFA EURO 2024 and UEFA Women's EURO 2025.
What is the Centre for Sport and Human Rights and what does it do?
The Centre for Sport and Human Rights is a non-profit organisation working to ensure sport respects human rights. It brings together sports bodies, governments and businesses and civil society to address risks, improve politics and practices, and protect athletes, workers, fans and communities affected by sport.
Collaboration will focus on areas such as human rights due diligence, responsible event hosting, stakeholder engagement, education and strengthening expertise within football organisations.
The agreement also emphasises the importance of meaningful dialogue between football governing bodies, civil society, public institutions and affected stakeholders.
Building on strong foundations
As a founding member, we have worked with CSHR since its establishment in 2018, supporting its development and contributing to its multi-stakeholder work. The agreement strengthens this cooperation while preserving the independence and distinct roles of both organisations.
"This agreement builds on years of positive cooperation and strengthens our shared commitment to promoting human rights across European football," said Laura McAllister.
"The Centre for Sport and Human Rights brings valuable independent expertise and constructive challenge, helping us continue to develop our approach in key areas of human rights. "
Mary Harvey, CEO, Centre for Sport and Human Rights, said: “UEFA has been a supporter of the Centre since before we were established, it builds on our cooperation on EURO 2024 and Women’s EURO 2025 and marks a natural next step in our relationship. This Protocol gives that work a clear framework for the years ahead, and we look forward to supporting UEFA as it continues to embed human rights across its operations and competitions.
Embedding human rights in football
Respect for human rights underpins our approach to governing and developing European football. The agreement supports our work to put our commitments into practice through dedicated governance and due diligence processes and the development of an overarching human rights policy. This work builds on our Human Rights Commitment and our Football Sustainability Strategy 2030: Strength Through Unit.
On Thursday 12 November, Laura McAllister will chair the first in-person meeting of the UEFA EURO 2028 Human Rights Advisory Board at Wembley Stadium. The board brings together experts from football, civil society and human rights organisations to provide independent advice and constructive challenge as we and our partners plan and deliver the tournament.