The Euro Unity Cup, the second edition of which concluded in Frankfurt am Main, once again demonstrated through 16 teams composed of forcibly displaced persons and local players from European countries participating in the tournament that football promotes inclusivity and expands opportunities.

The tournament highlights the role of football in strengthening ties between host communities and forcibly displaced people, breaking down barriers, and fostering an inclusive spirit through the universal language of sport.

This unique tournament, organized jointly by UEFA and UNHCR, gave players and teams the opportunity to represent countries that have taken them in or the European Union on the international stage.

Photo by Lary Suffel, UEFA, NFS

This year's Unity Cup featured teams from Ukraine, Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Malta, the Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Spain, Switzerland, and the EU.

Our team was formed by Ukrainian asylum seekers in Germany and local residents. Despite not making it to the final, our players remained motivated and want to continue training. According to them, football training united Ukrainians living abroad and provided an opportunity for communication and support.

The tournament's winner was a team from Finland, which included a Ukrainian player.

Our team was supported by the Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Frankfurt am Main, Vadym Kostyuk, who also celebrated volunteers of the initiative Frankfurt for Ukraine on the occasion of Ukraine’s Constitution Day. These volunteers have been supporting our country during wartime without pause.

Photo by Lary Suffel, UEFA, NFS

The Ukrainian Football Association expresses gratitude to the Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Frankfurt am Main Vadym Kostyuk, organizer of the initiative supporting Ukraine Yumas Medoff, volunteers, players and team members for their cooperation and participation in this unique tournament and support for Ukraine.

Photo by Lary Suffel, UEFA, NFS

“Football is a unifying force in a world fraught with barriers. This tournament beautifully illustrates the profound impact of our sport on people's lives and promotes values championed by UNHCR and UEFA. Starting life in an unfamiliar environment can often be challenging, but football can serve as a powerful catalyst for integration and relationship-building. It fosters mutual understanding and opens up opportunities for structured interaction and experience that can truly influence our communities,” — noted Aleksander Čeferin, President of UEFA.

Photo by Lary Suffel, UEFA, NFS

Parallel to the event in Frankfurt am Main, on the premises of the German Football Association (DFB), UEFA organized its first Respect Forum, which brought together managers from social responsibility at national associations and interested stakeholders working towards social and environmental sustainability in football. Successful practices, panel discussions, and a plan for implementing criteria for social and environmental sustainability in the 2024 European Championship taking place in Germany were on the agenda during June 28-29.

UEFA also honored the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA), German Football League (DFL), Arsenal FC, and former French national team player Lilian Thuram as the first recipients of UEFA awards for outstanding contributions to football both on and off the pitch.