Weekly Football Sustainability ReporT

7th March

Sustainability Highlights

Environmental initiatives took center stage this week, with clubs taking bold steps to cut their carbon footprint and protect biodiversity. For example:

• Tottenham Hotspur became the first Premier League club to join the UN-backed Sports for Nature Framework, installing bat houses and bug hotels at their training ground as part of a push to regenerate local ecosystems (Tottenham celebrate green goal with homes for bats and bugs | Reuters).
• On the climate front, Liverpool FC announced a pioneering partnership with a carbon capture company to make club merchandise carbon-neutral – each product’s manufacturing emissions will be offset by removing an equivalent amount of CO2 via direct air capture technology (Liverpool FC and 1PointFive announce pioneering product collaboration for fans - Liverpool FC).
• Social responsibility also featured prominently: FIFA launched pilot projects in Africa to build 1,000 mini-football pitches in schools, aiming to create safe spaces for children and promote education and inclusion through football (FIFA starts pilot projects in Africa to build mini-pitches in schools)
• In Governance and Ethics, stakeholders focused on making football fairer and more accountable. A UK parliamentary debate on football’s finances underscored the need for better oversight, while UEFA and organizers of Women’s Euro 2025 signed a human rights declaration to ensure an inclusive, transparent tournament (Women’s Euro 2025 organisers sign joint human rights declaration - Inside World Football)

Club & League Initiatives

Tottenham Hotspur – “Greenest Club” Leads on Nature:

Spurs are doubling down on environmental sustainability by enhancing biodiversity at their facilities. This week the club revealed hundreds of newly planted trees, wildflower meadows, ponds, and the installation of 500+ bat houses and 25 bug hotels at their training ground (Tottenham celebrate green goal with homes for bats and bugs | Reuters). These efforts come as Tottenham became the Premier League’s first signatory of the Sports for Nature Framework, pledging to protect natural habitats and support ecosystem health. “We have long been recognised as the Premier League’s greenest club… it is now time for us to make a firm commitment to nature and protecting the ecosystems we cannot live without,” said Spurs director Donna-Maria Cullen, emphasizing the club’s aim to take action across People, Climate and Nature. Spurs’ biodiversity program, which even grows organic produce for the club canteen, earned them a Sustainable Sport award last year underlining how club initiatives can tackle environmental goals in innovative ways.

Liverpool FC – Carbon-Neutral Merchandise:

Liverpool continued to advance The Red Way (their sustainability strategy) by tackling the carbon footprint of fan merchandise. In a new collaboration with 1PointFive (a U.S. direct air capture firm), LFC will release club products whose production emissions are neutralized by removing an equivalent amount of CO2 from the atmosphere (Liverpool FC and 1PointFive announce pioneering product collaboration for fans - Liverpool FC). For each item produced, Liverpool will calculate the manufacturing and distribution emissions and purchase certified carbon removal credits to sequester that CO2 deep underground. This marks a significant step toward Liverpool’s goals of halving operational emissions by 2030 and reaching net-zero by 2040 Club officials note that partnering on this emerging technology not only addresses product-level emissions, but also helps raise awareness among fans by “empower[ing] consumers to make more carbon-conscious choices” when supporting the team.



New York City FC – Community Investment:

In the social arena, NYCFC (Major League Soccer) unveiled a major community development commitment this week. The club, alongside a local councilmember, announced a $7.5 million philanthropic investment to support Queens-based organizations, schools, and non-profits (New York City FC & Councilmember Moya Announce Transformative $7.5 Million Investment in Queens Community Organizations, Schools, and Non-Profits | New York City FC). This funding will bolster education programs, youth development, job training, and community enrichment in the neighborhoods around the club’s future stadium. It builds on NYCFC’s track record of investing in local pitches, school programs, and leadership training for young people. “New York City FC has always been committed to using soccer as a force for good…we are proud to support local schools, labor organizations, and nonprofits that make a difference in the lives of New Yorkers,” said the club’s vice chairman, highlighting that strengthening communities is a core part of the club’s mission.

Global & Grassroots Efforts:

Beyond individual clubs, leagues and federations also progressed sustainability programs. FIFA kicked off pilot projects for its plan to build 1,000 mini-pitches worldwide, starting in African schools to help children in disadvantaged areas play football in safe, inclusive environments (FIFA starts pilot projects in Africa to build mini-pitches in schools. This project, tied to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, reflects football’s growing role in community development and education. Meanwhile, in Oceania, the OFC used the platform of International Women’s Day to expand programs for women’s football – including new coaching, leadership and grassroots initiatives – underlining a commitment to gender equality and social responsibility in sport (OFC champions Women’s Football and Social Responsibility on International Women’s Day 2025 | Oceania Football Confederation). And in England, EFL clubs continued to engage with the “Green Club” sustainability accreditation scheme (launched earlier) to cut energy use and waste (English Football League bolsters Green Club sustainability scheme | Reuters) 

Regulatory Developments

Independent Regulator in English Football:

The debate over football governance reached the UK Parliament this week. In a Westminster Hall discussion on March 6, cross-party MPs highlighted the fragility of football’s finances and the need for better oversight (English Football: Financial Sustainability and Governa - Hansard - UK Parliament). They noted that despite the Premier League’s wealth, dozens of clubs in the lower leagues teeter on the brink of insolvency, with over 50 clubs going into administration since 1992 and a majority of the top 92 clubs technically insolvent today. In response, the Government reaffirmed plans to establish an independent football regulator as part of a new Football Governance Bill. This regulator will enforce stricter financial controls and integrity rules to prevent club failures, ensure fair distribution of revenue, and give supporters a greater voice. Lawmakers stressed that clubs are community assets, and the proposed regulator is meant to “protect clubs [and] ensure financial sustainability” while keeping fans at the heart of decision-making. If implemented, these governance reforms could usher in a new era of accountability in English football, tackling problems like reckless ownership and competitive imbalance that have plagued the game.

UEFA’s Human Rights Commitments:

On the international stage, tournament organizers are proactively addressing ethical governance. UEFA, together with the Swiss authorities and host cities, signed a joint human rights declaration ahead of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 (Women’s Euro 2025 organisers sign joint human rights declaration - Inside World Football). This pledge commits all stakeholders to uphold human rights and provide an inclusive, discrimination-free experience for players, staff, fans, and volunteers during the tournament. Developed with input from civil society and diversity experts, the declaration aligns with United Nations principles and forms a key part of the event’s ESG strategy. It goes beyond box-ticking, aiming to ensure that issues like workers’ rights, equality, and fan safety are considered core components of tournament planning rather than afterthoughts. Notably, the EURO 2025 sustainability strategy encompasses 91 initiatives across environmental, social, and governance areas, from reducing the event’s carbon footprint to enhancing transparency. UEFA’s move comes at a time of increased scrutiny on hosts of major events – for instance, FIFA’s award of the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia has drawn criticism over human rights concerns. By contrast, the Women’s EURO organisers are seeking to set a positive example by baking ethical standards into the fabric of the competition.

Financial Fair Play and Club Oversight:

Elsewhere, football authorities weighed adjustments to financial rules. FIFA’s Council met this week and unexpectedly discussed a proposal to expand the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams (up from the planned 48) as a one-off for the tournament’s centenary (FIFA to consider one-off expansion to 64 teams for 2030 World Cup | Reuters). While only in exploratory stages, this idea raises questions about the financial and logistical governance of an event spread across six host countries. Critics note that an even larger World Cup could strain organizers and exacerbate environmental impacts, given the 2030 edition is already slated to be held across three continents, prompting “concerns over the environmental impact of the event” . In club football, UEFA and domestic leagues are continuing discussions on spending controls. The Premier League, for example, recently decided to extend its current profit-and-sustainability rules for another season as clubs debate new salary cap-style regulations (Premier League's profit and sustainability rules to remain in place next season | Reuters). And as seen with the ongoing case of Manchester City facing charges for alleged financial rule breaches, enforcement of fair play rules remains a critical issue. These regulatory developments underscore a balancing act between growth and sustainability: football’s leaders are under pressure to strengthen oversight (to prevent financial crises and protect ethics) without stifling the competitive and global nature of the sport.

Innovations & Future Trends

Next week will kick off Green Football Weekend 2025, a campaign uniting fans, clubs, players and broadcasters in climate action. Running from March 11 to April 2, it encourages supporters to make a “Great Save” for the planet by reusing and recycling football kits rather than discarding them (Home - Green Football's Great Save). Initiatives like this harness the passion of fans to promote circular economy practices (such as swapping or upcycling jerseys) and could pave the way for more fan-driven sustainability efforts. Likewise, clubs are increasingly engaging supporters in their green initiatives – for instance, Liverpool’s upcoming carbon-neutral merchandise gives fans a direct role in climate action through their purchases, and many clubs now hold “sustainability days” or use matchdays to educate about recycling, energy savings, and sustainable transport.

Collaboration and standard-setting

On the social side, continued growth of the women’s game and diversity programs (as highlighted by OFC’s new pathways for women in football (OFC champions Women’s Football and Social Responsibility on International Women’s Day 2025 | Oceania Football Confederation) point toward a more inclusive future. Federations and clubs are likely to invest in women’s football, para-football, and youth academies as part of their sustainability agendas, viewing inclusion and equality as long-term investments in the sport’s growth.

Finally, sustainable business models and infrastructure are an area to watch. Clubs planning new stadiums and training facilities are now prioritizing green design – expect features like solar panels, rainwater harvesting, electric vehicle charging, and even zero-carbon construction materials to become the norm. There is also a push for more transparency through sustainability reporting and accreditation. Schemes such as the EFL’s Green Club award tiers (English Football League bolsters Green Club sustainability scheme | Reuters) and international standards (like FIFA’s new stadium sustainability guidelines aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals (FIFA Stadium Guidelines set global benchmark for football stadiums)) will guide clubs in measuring and improving their performance. In sum, the trajectory is clear: the football of the future is poised to be not only faster and more global, but also cleaner, more inclusive, and more responsibly governed.

Challenges & Areas for Improvement

Despite the encouraging progress this week, football’s sustainability journey faces several persistent challenges:

• Carbon Footprint & Climate Impact: The sport’s environmental impact remains immense. Recent research highlighted that global soccer’s annual greenhouse gas emissions reach roughly 64 to 66 million tonnes of CO2 – equivalent to the emissions of an entire mid-sized country (How much should Arsenal pay to cancel the shirt deal, and who’s leaving in the summer – Untold Arsenal: Supporting the club, the manager and the team). This includes everything from stadium energy use to team travel. While clubs are setting net-zero targets, the industry is “struggling to get a handle” on its true carbon footprint and must scale up efforts in renewable energy, low-carbon travel, and waste reduction. A particular concern is indirect emissions via sponsorships and advertising. The same study noted many of football’s sponsors are heavily polluting industries (from airlines to oil companies) , which can undermine clubs’ green efforts. Tackling this will require tougher choices on sponsorship deals and more rigorous sustainability criteria in commercial partnerships – an area where progress has been slow.
• Financial Sustainability & Equity: As the UK Parliament debate underscored, the financial model of many clubs is precarious (English Football: Financial Sustainability and Governa - Hansard - UK Parliament). Outside of a wealthy elite, dozens of clubs survive on thin margins or owner bailouts, and the collapse of clubs like Bury and Macclesfield in recent years shows the human cost when clubs fail. Achieving long-term sustainability means closing the revenue gap between top-tier and lower leagues (through fair revenue sharing or solidarity payments) and enforcing financial fair play rules to prevent reckless overspending. The planned independent regulator in England is one response, but it will need real teeth to be effective. Globally, there’s also a need for more transparent governance – for example, ensuring that prospective owners meet robust ethical and financial standards (a stronger “fit and proper persons” test) to prevent irresponsible ownership. In short, football must balance ambition with prudence, so that growth does not come at the cost of clubs’ survival or community trust.
• Standardizing Sustainability Practices: Another area for improvement is the lack of consistent standards and reporting in sustainability across clubs. Many clubs now publish sustainability reports or boast green initiatives, but there is often no common benchmark to measure progress. This can lead to greenwashing – where clubs make bold claims that are hard to verify. Projects like the new GARFIELD initiative (launched in January to improve sustainability reporting and combat greenwashing in football) highlight the need for better data and transparency in this space. Going forward, clubs and leagues should adopt clear metrics (such as carbon footprint per game, diversity in leadership percentages, community investment amounts, etc.) and report them publicly. Unified frameworks – perhaps led by FIFA/UEFA or independent bodies – could help rank or certify clubs on ESG performance, driving competition off the pitch for the most sustainable operations. Without consistent tracking, it will be difficult to identify where progress is genuine or where further work is needed.