December 11 – UEFA is to set up a dedicated human rights advisory board for next year’s final tournament in Switzerland. The announcement was timed to mark international Human Rights Day, observed annually on 10 December.
The European governing body operated a similar initiative for the men’s EURO in 2024 – a first for a major sporting event and according to the Centre for Sport and Human Rights (CSHR), “the first time that a major sporting event adopted a human rights declaration”.
UEFA said the new board comprises representatives from civil society, diversity and inclusions experts, public authorities, national associations, and former players to ensure a wide range of perspectives and a comprehensive approach to human rights protection.
The UEFA announcement is in stark contrast to FIFA’s position on human rights as at their extraordinary general meeting today (December 11) they are set wave though by acclamation hosting of the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia without any debate or transparent analysis of the issues and without giving member associations an opportunity to use their vote to express their position.
UEFA said the board “will provide a platform for structured engagement with stakeholders on an essential aspect of organising major sporting events, by helping to enhance our human rights measures as we reflect on the achievements, insights and recommendations highlighted in a recent review of EURO 2024 from the CSHR.
Assessing the outcomes of that initiative, the CSHR review “welcomes the series of human rights initiatives undertaken by UEFA for EURO 2024, UEFA’s responsiveness to human rights stakeholders in the run-up to and during the tournament, and the access and transparency afforded to members of the board”.
An ever-present message throughout UEFA’s Women’s EURO 2025 communication has been an aim to promote human rights by creating an inclusive and welcoming tournament for everyone, mirroring UEFA’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy.
“The upcoming final tournament will lead by example, demonstrating how the football community can accelerate its action on these topics to meet society’s increasing expectations,” said UEFA.
Human Rights Day commemorated the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a landmark document that enshrines the inalienable rights of all people. This year’s theme ‘Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now’ highlighted human rights as a pathway to solutions for today’s global challenges. It stood in sharp contrast to a week of football news dominated by Saudi Arabia’s World Cup 2034 bid and FIFA’s willingness to sweep human rights conventions from workers rights to gender equality under the carpet as its executive shamelessly fills its boots with oil money.
“UEFA’s core purpose to promote football aligns with the fundamental principles of the Declaration, including anti-discrimination, gender equity, child safety, inclusion, and accessibility. These pillars are central to UEFA’s continuous efforts in upholding human rights values and stand as the cornerstone of UEFA’s sustainability strategy ‘Strength Through Unity’,” said UEFA.
In the current political environment UEFA’s position on human rights and equality currently stands as a fiercely burning beacon, pretty much in isolation.
FIFA take note?
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