16 November 2024, Baku, Azerbaijan
European Club Association (ECA) proudly concluded its inaugural participation at the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29), where it hosted a landmark conference dedicated to addressing climate change through the power of football. This pivotal event, co-presented by the COP29 Presidency and co-hosted by ECA Member Club Qarabağ FK, underscored ECA's commitment to environmental sustainability and placed its members at the forefront of international climate discussions in the Blue Zone.
16 November 2024 marked a historic occasion as football clubs from across Europe gathered at COP29 to share their environmental sustainability initiatives. The conference highlighted football's capacity to lead by example and inspire collective action in tackling one of the most pressing global challenges: climate change.
In alignment with ECA’s Sustainability Strategy, ECA remains dedicated to its fight against climate change by committing to new carbon offset projects for the season 2023/24.
This season, ECA is investing in two significant programmes: the Clean and Efficient Cookstoves initiative for Rohingya refugees, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions while supporting poverty alleviation and gender equality, and Greentech’s Emissions Reductions from PET Recycling in Romania, the first Gold Standard Certified project of its kind in Europe, expected to save over 45,380 tonnes of CO2 annually.
Through ECA’s various initiatives, we reinforce our commitment to meaningful climate actions and highlight the importance of within and beyond the football community.
Key highlights of the conference:
- Opening session: The conference began with opening remarks from Asif Asgarov, Board Member of Qarabağ and ECA, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Youth and Sport Farid Gayibov, ECA CEO Charlie Marshall and Qarabağ FK's President Tahir Gozel, setting the stage for insightful discussions on sustainability in football.
- Club presentations: Several of ECA’s Member Clubs including Atlético de Madrid, Porto FC and Liverpool FC, showcased their recent sustainability projects, exemplifying their proactive commitment to environmental stewardship.
- Panel discussions: Moderated by Sky Sports UK's David Garrido, two panels explored the football sector's impact and responsibilities in combating climate change. The first featured leaders from ECA Members Real Betis Balompié, Tottenham Hotspur and Udinese Calcio, while the second involved key insights from ECA’s Sustainability team and UNFCCC's Lindita Xhaferi-Salihu, highlighting the objectives of the Football Clubs Alliance for Climate.
- Signing ceremony: The event culminated with the formal signing of a Declaration establishing the Football Clubs Alliance for Climate. Clubs that have signed the Alliance include Atlético de Madrid, Fenerbahçe SK, Flamengo, Galatasaray SK, Liverpool FC, Malmö FF, FC Porto, Real Betis Balompié, Tottenham Hotspur and Udinese Calcio.
Charlie Marshall, ECA CEO, stated, "At COP29, ECA acknowledges our responsibility to play an active role in combating the climate crisis. We've recently published our first Sustainability Strategy and committed to reducing our carbon emissions by 30% per member by 2030. ECA’s real impact lies in our ability to support our members in implementing strategies to reduce their carbon footprints. This is why we are here today: to launch the Football Clubs Alliance for Climate. Through this alliance and our collaboration with the UNFCCC’s Sports for Climate Action initiative, we are committed to supporting our clubs every step of the way in their climate action journey.”
Niclas Carlnén, ECA Board Member from Malmö FF and Lead of the ECA Sustainability Working Group, said, “As we launch the Football Clubs Alliance for Climate, we are committing to the UNFCCC Sports for Climate Action Framework with the aim of inspiring football clubs across Europe and worldwide to take meaningful climate action.“
Asif Asgarov, ECA Board Member from Qarabağ FK, added, “Qarabağ FK is delighted to have played a decisive role in bringing together ECA Member Clubs to sign the first-ever Football Clubs Alliance for Climate. Today, the clubs gathered are acting as role models for the rest of the football world as we make a stand and take important collective action which seeks to encourage other clubs to join our collective fight against climate change.”
This conference served as a catalyst for transformative action, emphasising that football is not only a game but a powerful force for societal good. By engaging with key stakeholders, ECA and its members continue to demonstrate leadership in the fight against climate change.
ECA thanks Qarabağ FK, the COP29 Presidency and in particular Lead Negotiator, Mr. Rafiyev, as well as all participating clubs and partners for their support and commitment to this crucial dialogue.
As we look ahead, ECA remains committed to leveraging football's unique influence to drive meaningful change for a sustainable future.