Talking football: Ronan Evain on the fans' voice in football

Football Supporters Europe (FSE) is an independent, non-profit organisation that represents the interests of football fans across the continent. Founded in 2008 with members from all 55 UEFA nations, FSE's role as the most prominent supporters' association in Europe was recently reinforced by two landmark agreements.

First, in October 2022, FSE merged with Supporters Direct Europe (SD Europe), a similar organisation with a particular focus on increasing direct fan involvement in the governance of football. A few months later, in January 2023, UEFA and FSE signed a first-ever memorandum of understanding (MoU). As well as formally recognising FSE as the representative body for fan interests across Europe, the document commits UEFA to increasing dialogue with supporters on a range of issues.

Ronan Evain, executive director of FSE since November 2016, reflects on the benefits of both the merger and the MoU.

Why did FSE and SD Europe merge?

Ronan Evain: The importance of having a united voice for fans was demonstrated by the role of supporters in stopping the ill-fated European super league proposal. Formally merging FSE and SD Europe into one organisation, after a decade of collaboration on specific issues, was a logical next step. Pooling our collective expertise and resources has established a single recognised entity for stakeholders to engage with. It has made the European fan movement stronger than ever.

How does FSE’s memorandum of understanding with UEFA shift the dynamics in relations between fans and governing bodies?

It’s an exciting milestone. Too often, fans have remained on the sidelines, advocating for our voices to be heard on matters that directly impact us. UEFA has engaged with supporters’ organisations since 2008 but our MoU recognises that fans bring valuable experience and expertise to the table.

The document outlines our respective mandates within the European football ecosystem and our joint, unwavering commitment to the European sports model. We may retain differing views on some topics, but we are both committed to fostering more inclusive, constructive dialogue between fans and governing bodies. Today, FSE is involved in two UEFA committees and has a visible role at key UEFA governance events, including the Convention on the Future of European Football.

What are the big issues facing European supporters?

These are challenging times for European fans. Ensuring everyone can follow their club or national team in a safe, secure and welcoming environment, regardless of gender, origin, abilities or sexual orientation, is top priority for both FSE and UEFA. For example, all match organisers should be guaranteeing stadium access to toilets, food and drinking water.

In terms of governance, protecting the game’s integrity from threats like the European super league proposal and multi-club ownership structures is vital, alongside our advocacy for member-run clubs and more structured dialogue between fans and football stakeholders. We’ve seen some progress here, but more is needed. As a first step, supporter liaison officers should be fully integrated into matchday operations. At a time when bans on away travel in Europe are unfortunately on the rise, we also want to prevent unjustified restrictions on fans’ rights to freedom of movement.

Fans of FK Bodo/Glimt during a UEFA Europa Conference League match against Ajax at Aspmyra Stadion UEFA via Getty Images

Where has collaboration already delivered real-life results?

We are making an impact in several areas. Today, FSE and UEFA co-lead a joint visiting fans sector working group that meets regularly to assess host stadium conditions and address recurrent concerns around UEFA club competition matches. We also have a greater involvement in preparations for all UEFA club competition finals.

We also work with UEFA to safeguard supporters’ rights to protection, ensuring the needs and viewpoints of fans are a key consideration in planning and implementation. The publication of the UEFA EURO 2024 human rights declaration, following extensive consultation, also recognises the positive contribution that fans can make beyond tournaments.

How does FSE work with UEFA’s 55 member associations to improve the supporter experience across Europe?

FSE works with associations in different ways. Together with the UEFA Academy, we play a lead role in training Europe’s network of supporter liaison officers. We also provide expertise to fan embassies, which offer support services to tens of thousands of supporters travelling to away matches, including UEFA EURO 2024 in Germany. FSE’s close relations with associations are also critical to the success of our Erasmus+ project, Future of Football, launched in 2023 to strengthen dialogue with young supporters’ organisations across the continent.