top of page
#EqualGame shines a light on diversity
UEFA’s Respect campaign, #EqualGame, is spreading the message that football is for everyone
The #EqualGame campaign brings together the game’s top stars and grassroots players to demonstrate that football is open to all, irrespective of ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, social background or religious beliefs. Events at the UEFA Champions Festival in Kyiv will highlight the campaign and its values.
Dua Lipa in the spotlight
Dua Lipa, one of the year’s hottest female solo artists in the world, will take the stage at the 2018 UEFA Champions League Final Opening Ceremony presented by Pepsi.
Commenting on her upcoming performance at the Final, Dua Lipa said: “I was honoured to be asked by UEFA and Pepsi to perform at the ‘UEFA Champions League Final Opening Ceremony’ – it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. I can’t wait to get in front of the fans and be part of such an exciting event – I’m planning to put on an unforgettable show.”
The 22-year-old, who was born in London, holds the record for the youngest female solo artist to reach one billion YouTube views and is currently the top streamed female artist in the world on Spotify. She will perform hits from her latest album, including “IDGAF” and “New Rules”, which has gone Platinum in 18 countries. The global superstar’s album has gone on to sell over 2.2 million copies and 17 million singles worldwide.
Access for all
UEFA and its partner, the Centre for Access to Football in Europe (CAFE), have worked closely together since 2009 to ensure that UEFA’s tournaments and finals are inclusive and welcoming for all.
There are over one billion disabled people living today – the world’s largest minority group. UEFA and CAFE are committed to making live football accessible – we call it Total Football #TotalAccess.
For the 2018 UEFA Champions League final in Kyiv, audio-descriptive commentary is being provided in Ukrainian and English, giving many partially sighted and blind fans the opportunity to enjoy the match alongside their fellow fans.
#EqualGame Dome
Thursday 24 May to Sunday 27 May
UEFA’s social responsibility partners and the Football Federation of Ukraine will highlight the importance of social inclusion in football at the #EqualGame Dome by showcasing and explaining their area of expertise to fans. People can take part in a quiz to win UEFA Champions League prizes.
Matches for
Social Inclusion
Thursday 24 May, 13:00 - 18:00
Saturday 26 May, 11:00 - 13:00
The UEFA Champions Festival mini-pitch on Khreschatyk Street will be the setting for Matches for Social Inclusion, organised under the #EqualGame/ Respect banner. The matches promote inclusion, diversity and access across European football – emphasising that although people are different, everyone can find common ground in their love of the game.
All of the organisations taking part are official football social responsibility partners of UEFA. The matches will feature, among others, amputee football, powerchair football and blind football. A number of football legends will also be present at the festivities on 24 May, with the Centre for Access to Football in Europe (CAFE) organising audio-descriptive commentary for the matches. www.equalgame.com
UEFA Champions Gallery
Thursday 24 May to Sunday 27 May
The UEFA Champions Gallery at the Champions Festival site will showcase the history of the European Cup. A dedicated #EqualGame exhibition will highlight six unique grassroots football stories from across Europe.
FINALS ON THIS DAY
This is the fifth final to be played on the 26 May
1982
Peter Withe scored the only goal Aston Villa FC would need against FC Bayern München, turning in Tony Morley’s low cross midway through the second half in Rotterdam to extend England’s grip on the trophy to a sixth season.
1993
AC Milan keeper Sebastiano Rossi was rooted to his line as Basile Boli rose highest to head in Abedi Pele’s corner two minutes before half-time. Olympique de Marseille won 1-0 in Munich and, 25 years on, are still the only French side to lift the trophy.
1999
One of the great final comebacks. Manchester United FC looked finished, trailing 1-0 to Bayern as the game entered added time at the Camp Nou, only for two goals in as many minutes from substitutes Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjær to turn the match on its head.
2004
A year after leading FC Porto to the UEFA Cup, coach José Mourinho was at it again in Gelsenkirchen, this time on the biggest stage. Carlos Alberto, Deco and Dmitri Alenichev got the goals against AS Monaco FC as the Portuguese side claimed the title for a second time.
bottom of page