Supporters
Monday, January 1, 2024
Article summary
Our partnership with Football Supporters Europe ensures we listen to fans' voices and represent their interests.
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We have long worked closely with supporters' organisations, but a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in 2023 with Football Supporters Europe (FSE), the recognised body representing European fans, has taken our collaboration to a new level.
Signed by UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin and FSE executive director Ronan Evain, the landmark agreement establishes a formal framework for cooperation between the two organisations through to 2026. It also sets joint priorities:
- safeguard and improve fan experience at UEFA competition matches;
- strengthen the role of Europe's network of supporter liaison officers;
- develop national-level policies guiding dialogue with fans across Europe.
The MoU underlines both our and supporters' commitment to core principles of the European sports model: open competitions based on promotion and relegation within domestic leagues, qualification on sporting merit for European competitions, financial redistribution across the football pyramid, and the wider educational and social role of the game.
"Our MoU recognises that fans bring valuable experience and expertise to the table."
How we collaborate
In June 2023, our Executive Committee formally integrated FSE representatives into UEFA's governance structures, with fans given dedicated seats on standing committees and in working groups.
Our joint visiting fans sector working group, for example, which FSE co-lead, meets regularly to assess host stadium conditions and address any recurrent concerns involving our club competition matches. FSE also has greater involvement in preparations for all UEFA club competition finals.
The UEFA Academy also works closely with FSE to train Europe's network of supporter liaison officers.
Where we work together
We consult with FSE and their members across multiple topics, from the running of UEFA competitions and developing European football to the game's positive impact on society.
Fan representation
- Decision-making processes
Stadium infrastructure and facilities
- Standards of sustainability, safety, accessibility and amenities at European match venues
Safety, security and service
- Rights to protection for everybody who attends matches across Europe
Visiting fans
- Ticketing, stadium safety and fan experience for away supporters at UEFA matches
Financial sustainability
- Development of a sustainable European football ecosystem
Human rights
- Social responsibility policies and public awareness campaigns that use football's influence to tackle key social issues. Examples include anti-discrimination, gender equality, child safety, inclusion and accessibility.