UEFA to invest €1bn in women's football over the next six years

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) revealed its €1 billion, six-year plan to make women’s football "Unstoppable" this week.

"Unstoppable is our road map to lay the groundwork for a sustainable future, unlocking the full potential of women’s football. As we enter this exciting new era, we must continue with the same passion that has driven us this far," Aleksander Čeferin, President of UEFA, said according to Insider Sport.

"Our dedication to the cause remains as strong as ever. Our mission is simple, to help women’s football gain a prominent place in the European sporting community."

This initiative is the second dedicated programme for female footballers, following the 2019 strategy, which supported growth in revenue, participant numbers, and viewership across the continent. 

While viewership and revenue numbers are up, the Women’s Euro final in London attracted a staggering 50 million viewers, UEFA’s latest report shows only 1.6 million registered players, despite aiming for 2.5 million registered players by 2024. The organisation identified the need for training to foster "quality players, coaches, and referees in sufficient numbers."

UEFA is committed to investing €1bn from competition revenues and its own reserves into women’s football initiatives, grassroots projects and transforming its competition formats. UEFA aims to establish six fully professional leagues and 5,000 professional players across the continent by 2030 compared to three leagues and 3,049 professional players today.

The Women’s Champions League will introduce a new format in 2025-2026 featuring an 18-team mini-league to replace the group stage. UEFA will also launch a "second women’s club competition" next season after the 2025 Women’s Euro in Switzerland.

Organisers for the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 unveiled their own initiative this week, aligning with the tournament’s Environmental, Social and Governance strategy. Ticket holders to be offered free public transport while travelling within the host country. 

The UEFA Women's Euro 2025 is set for 2 to 27 July 2025 across eight venues in Switzerland.