Arunava about Football A look at football & the world through my eyes!
Related Articles
Ninety-six club Supporter Liaison Officers (SLO) convened at UEFA HQ in Switzerland this week for a workshop dedicated to improving matchday operations and fan experience in European club football.
The two-day event, jointly hosted by UEFA, the European Club Association (ECA) and Football Supporters Europe (FSE), gathered SLOs from clubs competing in this season’s group stages of all three European men’s club competitions. The workshop, a first of its kind, marked a significant stride towards building a Europe-wide network of experts and professionals committed to nurturing the indispensable relationship between clubs, fans and authorities.
Individual sessions focused on defining the role and responsibilities of the SLO in European competitions, providing insights into supporter-related projects and initiatives underway at UEFA, efficient collaboration among counterparts, and details concerning UEFA club competition matchday timelines and disciplinary matters.
With opportunity for feedback from SLOs on the first half of the club season, the workshop facilitated insights and exchange of best practise to facilitate key improvements for match-going supporters in and around stadiums.
Giorgio Marchetti, UEFA deputy general secretary, said, “The heartbeat of European football lies in the unwavering passion of its supporters. UEFA is committed to continuing to develop and champion the pivotal role Supporter Liaison Officers play in match preparations and in bridging the gap between clubs and fans. Today’s workshop is jointly hosted by UEFA, the European Clubs Association and Football Supporters Europe which illustrates the joint commitment and unity from key stakeholders to ensure fans, clubs and UEFA are working together to significantly improve matchday experiences for all fans during our competitions.”
Charlie Marshall, ECA chief executive officer, said, “SLOs are a vital part of football who steward that most important relationship between clubs and their fans. ECA’s commitment is to empower clubs through renewed joint efforts with our members and our key stakeholders UEFA and FSE. Our collective aim remains to foster collaboration, share best practices and to significantly improve the matchday experience for all fans of the game.”
Ronan Evain, FSE executive director, said, “We are pleased with the success of our collaboration with UEFA and the ECA to bring the event to fruition. It has been a long road to ingrain the significance of SLOs into the European game, but having the supporters, clubs and UEFA working together on this workshop demonstrates the progress we have made.”
Understanding the role of SLO and its significance
Since the 2012/13 season, teams competing in UEFA men’s club competitions have been mandated to appoint a dedicated SLO, recognising the importance of fostering constructive relationships between clubs, governing bodies and fans.
SLOs act as a crucial bridge between fans and the club, facilitating dialogue, communication and building trust. Used properly, their impact extends beyond relations, influencing clubs’ decision-making and ultimately enhancing the experience of all involved in the game.
By ensuring that supporters’ voices are heard, SLOs cultivate trust and create a sense of community, allowing fans to enjoy the game in optimal conditions. Their responsibilities vary depending on local context, but key tasks include informing fans about club decisions and providing a channel for supporters to communicate directly with the club.
SLOs build relationships with supporter groups, UEFA, leagues, the local police and other stakeholders. They engage with SLOs of other clubs before matches to share appropriate information and ensure safe, secure and positive matchday experiences.
UEFA’s commitment to SLO training and education
UEFA published its first SLO handbook in 2011, in partnership with SD Europe now Football Supporters Europe. This was followed in 2021 with a new practical guide to supporter liaison activities. This guide supports the work of SLOs, highlighting best practices for handling challenging situations they may encounter. Featuring useful tips and practical examples from existing SLOs throughout Europe, the guide centres on the scope of the SLO role and the important and positive impact it can have on a club and its supporters.
The UEFA Academy also offers a dedicated SLO education programme to develop the knowledge, skills and tools needed to thrive in the position.
