UNITY EURO CUP: Enhancing social inclusion through football

UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin

Former international referee Felix Brych officiated the final of the 2023 editionLara Suffel/DFB

The UNITY EURO CUP follows a seven-a-side format and features 33 matches. Each of the 16 teams consists of eight refugee players and four players from host communities, including at least three women.

A national football personality serves as an ambassador for each team, promoting the message of inclusion and supporting their team during the tournament.

The first UNITY EURO CUP was held in Nyon in 2022, with Germany winning the tournament after defeating hosts Switzerland in the final. In Germany in 2023, Finland took home the trophy after beating the Republic of Ireland.

Almost half of the national associations involved in the tournament have now adopted the UNITY EURO CUP’s model at a domestic level, further extending the tournament’s positive impact across Europe.

The event has also helped solidify partnerships between UEFA members and UNHCR’s country operations, providing a tangible example of the effective partnership between the two organisations.

“This tournament is a great example of how sport can unite individuals and communities, break down cultural barriers and empower people,” said Filippo Grandi, UNHCR’s High Commissioner.

“Providing people whose lives have been severely affected by war, conflict, discrimination or persecution with opportunities to engage in sport can help them heal, strengthen their skills – or help develop new ones – and feel included.”

The tournament brings together male and female refugees and local players from participating European nationsLara Suffel/DFBUNITY EURO CUP 2024

The 2024 edition of the UNITY EURO CUP will take place on 10 October at the Colovray Sports Centre in Nyon, Switzerland, next door to UEFA’s headquarters.

The matches will start at 08:30 CET, with the final scheduled to kick off at 15:00 CET. As in previous years, the event is free and open to the public.

This year, nearly 200 players from 16 teams will compete in a total of 33 matches. These teams represent the national football associations of Armenia, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Malta, the Netherlands, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Slovenia, Spain and Switzerland. Additionally, a team of Ukrainian refugees from across Europe will represent their homeland Ukraine.

Following the final match, UEFA and UNHCR will host a high-level panel discussion on “Refugee Inclusion Through Sport.”

Moderated by Pedro Pinto, key speakers include UNHCR High Commissioner Filippo Grandi, UEFA Vice-President Laura McAllister and Célia Šašić, EURO 2024 and Team Germany ambassador. Information on how to follow this event online will be provided in due course.

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Publish date : 2024-10-01 11:38:00

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