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UEFA initiates the "FootbALL" program to highlight the importance of diversity and inclusion in European football.
The football program emphasizes the power of football to promote positive social changes in all European communities and advocates for the game to be open to all, so that everyone can enjoy, play, learn, and improve.
The start of the "FootbALL" campaign marks the beginning of a wide program that will ensure an inclusive and equal opportunities era in European football, closely collaborating with all European football stakeholders to promote positive social changes.
The program consists of three main factors - Campaign, Platform, and Activation - which bring together all of UEFA's social sustainability initiatives, events, and campaigns.
This new initiative is based on UEFA's ongoing commitment to use football as a catalyst for promoting positive changes in society, with a simple but significant message: everyone is welcome in football.
"FootbALL" will encourage new educational actions and strengthen existing ones, such as the educational program "Outraged," continuing to inform the public about UEFA, its member organizations, and football partners' efforts towards inclusion and equality in European football.
The program also contributes to UEFA's sustainability strategy goals - to inspire, activate, and accelerate collective actions supporting social and environmental sustainability in the context of European football.
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin is convinced that football can drive positive changes:
"Football, with its universal language, can overcome barriers and unite hearts. Inclusion and openness are the factors that reveal the true potential of our game. By providing opportunities for everyone, regardless of origin, gender or abilities, football creates equal conditions where everyone feels welcome, respected, and valued," said the UEFA President. "Through the 'FootbALL' initiative, we aim to create an environment where talents can develop without discrimination, and where their dreams have no limits."
The "FootbALL" introduction video campaign tells the stories of football community members from different backgrounds who play various roles in football: from referee to pitch caretaker, from fan to coach.
Its goal is to challenge the viewer's preconceptions about the key players and show that despite their differences and unique traits, they all belong to football. One such example in the video footage is Linda Repetti, who works as a pitch caretaker at Genoa's "Luigi Ferraris" stadium, sharing her story: "People are surprised when I tell them that I work as a pitch caretaker, as there are not many women in this job. I always fought hard and worked diligently for my role."
As anticipation builds for the UEFA Champions League final in Istanbul, the "FootbALL" program campaign will officially kick off during this showcase event. Fans will notice activity not only at the stadium on perimeter boards, banners, and the stadium screen but also on UEFA's social media channels before, during, and after the matches.
Visitors to the UEFA Champions League festival in Istanbul will also become acquainted with the campaign, especially through the "Ultimate Champions Tournament." A new campaign logo will be displayed on UEFA and legendary Turkish players' scarves, as they proudly support the "FootbALL" campaign.
French football legend Patrick Vieira highlights the importance of mutual respect in football.
"Football is unique in that it can transcend nationality, ethnicity, gender, and religion boundaries. From a young age, children learn to play together and speak in one common - football - language. We must cherish and protect the diversity of football so that everyone feels respected and considered part of the community," he said.
Later this month, inaugural "FootbALL" awards will be presented to the national association, club, player, and league that have contributed most to inclusion, equality, and diversity projects in football. In the seasons 2023-2024 and beyond, the "FootbALL" program will continue to be implemented in all UEFA competitions and at the national level, working closely with UEFA member associations.
