UEFA publishes EURO 2024 ESG strategy with 48 targets

UEFA unveiled an ESG strategy for EURO 2024 built on three pillars, 11 action areas, 28 topics, 48 targets and 83 KPIs. The framework signals how major sporting events are formalising emissions, anti-discrimination and governance metrics that Indian event organisers and sponsors may increasingly be measured against.

Following the inaugural UEFA RESPECT Forum in Frankfurt in late June, UEFA released its EURO 2024 ESG strategy ahead of the tournament. The framework is structured around three core pillars spanning 11 areas of action, supported by 28 specific topics, 48 targets and 83 key performance indicators. Focal points include climate protection, waste management, a dedicated climate fund to mitigate tournament emissions, combating discrimination, promoting equal rights, healthy food provision, grassroots football support, transparent operations and knowledge-sharing with stakeholders to build a lasting sustainable legacy.

The strategy directly affects UEFA, the German Football Association (DFB), the ten host cities, commercial partners and grassroots clubs, all of whom must align operations with the targets and KPIs. German federal authorities, including the Interior and Sports Ministry, are co-committed to the agenda. Sponsors, broadcasters, stadium operators and travel partners are drawn into emissions accounting, anti-racism measures and inclusive access requirements, establishing measurable accountability across the tournament's full commercial and operational ecosystem rather than leaving sustainability to voluntary gestures.

Organisers and partners should track delivery against the 48 targets and 83 KPIs, including climate-fund contributions, waste and emissions reductions, anti-discrimination measures and grassroots solidarity programmes, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the UEFA Football Sustainability Strategy 2030. Indian event organisers, sponsors and sports bodies should monitor how the UEFA ESG Event Management System and the match-schedule travel-minimisation approach become benchmarks, as comparable expectations could shape future large-scale events hosted or sponsored in India.

Key figure — Strategy scope: 48 targets and 83 key performance indicators