European football and the impact of unforseen disruptions involving pandemics, war and terrorism and climate change

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), the governing body of European football, like many other sporting organising bodies, had to contend with the unforeseen disruption of COVID-19. Its handling of the situation centred around maintaining the safety and well-being of all stakeholders involved in European football with matches being cancelled and competitions being re-structured to minimise the risks created by the pandemic. Other unforeseen disruptions, in the sense of not necessarily being a permanent feature of governance, include the impact of war, the threat of terrorism, and the potential impact of climate change. UEFA has dealt with the impact of war by implementing a risk aversion policy of ensuring clubs and national teams from countries in conflict do not meet in the early rounds of its competitions. The threat of terrorism meanwhile has seen the implementation of measures that include providing clubs with up-to-date advice and the provision of security training. Climate change is presently more of a potential than a real risk, but in regard to European football the increased risks it may create include a greater risk of ground flooding and temperatures that are too hot for safe playing conditions. A possible solution for both scenarios is a greater use of roofed stadiums.

James Cook University law review

James Cook University Law Review

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1839-2792

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