Bundesliga on the way to more sustainable soccer

THE BUNDESLIGA ON THE WAY TO MORE SUSTAINABLE SOCCER

The Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 clubs are ahead of their European competitors on the subject of ecological transition and have recently agreed to the introduction of a sustainability criterion from the next season (2023-2024). This will include the financial health of the clubs as well as their social and environmental commitments. This first step aims to start a process of ecological transition within European and world soccer.

THE NEW CRITERIA OF THE GERMAN LEAGUE

This is a first for German soccer, and even worldwide. Starting next season, the German Professional Football League will require all clubs to meet a new sustainability criterion. This new measure is in addition to previous licensing regulations. This decision comes after the various measures taken in 2021, asking clubs to be part of a sustainable development logic on all its dimensions.

The DFL Board of Directors decided to base this sustainability criteria on three strategic aspects: club management, environment and stakeholders. As for the other aspects, they should be unveiled during the 2024-2025 season. This means that from next season onwards, clubs in the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga will be required to justify their involvement in a sustainable development process, otherwise they may be subject to sanctions.

It will probably not be uncommon to see clubs implementing various measures to reduce their environmental impact. Reducing water and electricity consumption, recycling and sorting waste, and switching to green energy are all solutions to be considered for these structures. Nevertheless, this initiative is to be welcomed because it means that the European soccer authorities are gradually becoming aware of the importance of starting an ecological transition.