For the good of the game
Saturday, May 28, 2022
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Here's how UEFA’s men's competitions help fund football development across Europe...
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UEFA generates revenue by organising world-class men’s and women’s club and national team competitions, including the EURO, Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League.
In all, 98% of UEFA’s revenue comes from these elite competitions, which then funds the Women’s EURO and Champions League, the European Under-21 Championship, the men’s and women’s Under-17 and Under-19 Championships, the Youth League, the men’s and women’s Futsal EUROs, the Futsal Champions League, the Under-19 Futsal Championship and the Regions’ Cup.
UEFA’s overheads are kept to a minimum to maximise investment in football, with just 2.3% of net revenue spent on governing expenses. From 2020 to 2024, UEFA will invest more than €1bn in football development projects across Europe.
Where does UEFA's revenue go?
Over two-thirds of UEFA’s net revenue is distributed to the 200-plus teams taking part in the men’s club competitions - payments also go to clubs eliminated in the qualifying rounds, and to non-participating clubs to invest in young players.
UEFA also rewards associations whose national teams take part in the men’s and women’s EUROs, European qualifiers and Nations League.
Profits specifically from the men’s EURO fund UEFA’s HatTrick programme, which provides associations with, on average, €195m each season to invest in football development projects, from the grassroots to the elite game. By 2024, HatTrick will have channelled a cumulative €2.6bn into European football.
In addition, UEFA helps associations to develop all aspects of football. That includes building stadiums and training facilities, growing the women’s game, running coach and referee courses, nurturing young talent, strengthening governance, tackling discrimination and kick-starting social responsibility initiatives.
And, above all, giving every European the chance to enjoy football.
An even brighter future
Addressing UEFA's 46th Congress in Vienna this month, general secretary Theodore Theodoridis announced a 21% increase in funding through the #UEFAHatTrick programme. Europe's national football associations will receive a total €935m from 2024-2028 to develop the game - roughly €17m each!