UEFA showcases FootbALL programme across its competitions to highlight importance of diversity and inclusion in European football.
At the upcoming matches of its club competitions, UEFA will showcase its FootbALL programme on perimeter boardings, stadium screens and on UEFA’s social media channels, but also a new television advertisement will be played ahead of each match.
FootbALL is UEFA’s ongoing programme aiming to harness football as a catalyst to foster positive change in society, with a simple yet significant message: in football, everyone is welcome.
Launched at the UEFA Champions League final last season, the FootbALL programme highlights the power of football to drive positive social change across European communities and advocates that the game is open to all to enjoy, play, learn and develop.
The FootbALL advertisement tells the stories of members of the football community, all from different backgrounds and all with different roles in football: from a referee to a groundskeeper, from a fan to a coach. It aims to challenge the viewer’s prejudices and assumptions about the protagonists and shows that despite their differences and unique qualities, they all belong in football.
Michele Uva, UEFA’s director of social and environmental sustainability, said, “By opening its arms to all, regardless of background, gender, or ability, football creates a level playing field where everyone feels welcome, respected and valued. With the FootbALL programme we aim ensure an era of inclusive and equal opportunity in European football through close collaboration with all European football stakeholders.”
FootbALL will spur new social actions and amplify existing ones, such as the Outraged educational programme, further informing the public on the efforts made by UEFA, its member organisations and football partners towards inclusion and equality in football.
The programme also contributes to achieving the aims of UEFA’s Football Sustainability Strategy 2030, which is to inspire, activate and accelerate collective action in support of social and environmental sustainability within the context of European football.
To learn more about UEFA’s work related to equality and inclusion, see the UEFA RESPECT Report 2022/23 .