March 7 – In the lead-up to Euro 2024 in Germany, UEFA has partnered up with the DFB to introduce a pioneering climate fund that will allow German amateur clubs to seek financial backing for climate protection projects.
UEFA has selected 80 German amateur clubs to receive €2.3 million from its Euro 2024 climate fund, which can be put towards a host of environmental improvements such as the installation of LED floodlights, photovoltaic solar panels and smart irrigation systems.
Since the unveiling of the fund on January 8, an impressive 2,307 clubs from all 21 regional associations have thrown their hats into the ring by submitting applications.
An initial 80 clubs that have been selected to receive financial support, who will likely be joined by more clubs ahead of the initiative’s June 30 deadline.
Funding for projects is capped at €250,000, and is contingent on the scale of the project. Clubs are obligated to cover a portion of the expenses, capped at a maximum of €5,000 or 10% of the overall project costs.
The initiative underscores UEFA’s commitment to environmental stewardship but also empowers grassroots clubs to actively contribute to climate protection efforts in the context of one of football’s most anticipated events.
Michele Uva, UEFA social & environmental sustainability director, said: “UEFA’s climate fund offer has already inspired 2,300 grassroots clubs all over Germany, confirming the appeal of the programme and showing the acceleration potential of this initiative.
“The investment of €7m will contribute to a sustainable legacy for the EURO 2024 tournament, making a significant impact on reducing CO2 emissions and supporting climate protection. It’s great to see our ESG strategy further coming to life, catalysing actions in support of the environment.”
In the first round of the operation, UEFA has provided financial support totalling €2.3 million from the overall €7 million fund. This distribution encompasses €2.1 million assigned to all 21 regional associations, with each receiving €100,000 to finance their climate-protection projects or assist their local clubs. The balance of the fund will be assigned during the subsequent project reviews scheduled for the end of April and the end of June this year.
Heike Ullrich, German Football Association (DFB) general secretary, said: “It’s the first time that a climate fund has been set up for a EURO tournament. I think it’s fantastic that we’ve begun to jointly put things into practise well before start of the tournament.
“It’s a great investment for the sake of our climate and in our football infrastructure in Germany.”
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1714256986labto1714256986ofdlr1714256986owedi1714256986sni@g1714256986niwe.1714256986yrrah1714256986