December 17 – UEFA and president Aleksander Ceferin have formally confirmed they will support the newly launched European climate pact.
Last week, the EU launched a climate initiative that envisions a climate neutral economy across its member states by 2050 and UEFA said it is “ready to do everything it can” to contribute towards that vision.
“As a guardian of the world’s most popular sport, UEFA pledges its commitment to the European Climate Pact,” said Čeferin in a statement. “By reaching a Europe-wide audience of millions, football has the potential to dramatically shift mindsets on climate change – a critical first step to getting everyone involved in creating a climate-neutral economy.”
UEFA seeks to contribute by cutting European football’s carbon footprint, running a TV advertisement campaign to promote the Green Deal and planning a climate-friendly European championship in 2024 in Germany.
For the next continental finals, this summer, the governing body “implemented a flight carbon compensation scheme for all travelling supporters at EURO 2020 – a tournament that will involve 12 host nations.” At this stage, UEFA’s plans for a pan-European tournament remain in place, but a final decision, taking into account the evolution of the coronavirus pandemic on the tournament’s hosting format is expected by March.
Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at moc.l1734912467labto1734912467ofdlr1734912467owedi1734912467sni@o1734912467fni1734912467