Embracing circular economy at football events

To help national associations, clubs, and football stakeholders further reduce the game’s environmental footprint, we are proud to launch the Circular Economy Checklist for events.

This checklist serves as a comprehensive guide to the circularity of football events. In this context, football events are more than just matches. They encompass congresses, seminars, workshops, and various other engaging activities convened by football organisations. The checklist supports an assessment across food and beverage, apparel and football equipment, event materials, and energy and water.

The Circular Economy Checklist for events encapsulates key principles such as:

• Waste Reduction: Implementing strategies to minimise waste generation during matches, events, and day-to-day operations.
• Recycling Initiatives: Establishing robust recycling programmes to ensure the proper disposal and recycling of materials such as plastics, paper, and glass.
• Energy Efficiency: Adopting energy-efficient practices within stadiums, training facilities, and administrative offices to reduce carbon footprint.
• Sustainable Sourcing: Prioritising eco-friendly and sustainable materials for merchandise, infrastructure, and equipment procurement.
• Community Engagement: Engaging fans, players, and staff in sustainability initiatives, promoting awareness, and fostering a sense of collective responsibility towards the environment.

By filling out the checklist, football stakeholders can play a significant role in mitigating environmental impact and advancing sustainability principles.

Back in November 2023, we made a step forward towards integrating circular economy principles into football operations by launching our Circular Economy Guidelines. Available to football organisations, it provides guidance aimed at reducing waste, promoting resource efficiency, and fostering a culture of sustainability within the football community.

Circular Economy is a key component of UEFA's 'Strength Through Unity' Sustainability Strategy 2030, representing one of 11 policies, and has been working closely with partners PepsiCo, Just Eat Takeaway.com and Heineken to reduce food and plastic waste at important matches, including the latest editions of the Men’s and Women’s Champions League Finals.