Climate action
Earth’s climate is changing due to human activity. Greenhouse gases, mostly CO2 from the burning of fossil fuels, are accumulating in the atmosphere, causing more and more heat to be trapped. The result is extreme weather events, droughts, floods and rising sea levels. We need to reduce the emissions that enter the atmosphere to minimise the impact on our world’s climate.
You too can help reduce the impact at the FIFA Women’s World Cup by coming to matches by public transport or even by bike – special bike racks will be set up at each stadium for safe storage while you watch the game.
Where emissions cannot be eliminated entirely, they can be offset, for example by funding projects that reduce emissions. This benefits not just the environment, but also local communities, who can benefit from employment and capacity building.
You too can offset your emissions by estimating your carbon footprint and supporting verified low-carbon projects listed on the United Nations Climate Neutral Now platform.
Stay healthy – don’t smoke!
Based on FIFA’s Tobacco-Free Policy and according to French health regulations, smoking and vaping are prohibited in and around all stadiums at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, except in designated smoking areas outside each stadium.
FIFA has long been committed to stubbing out tobacco as part of its sustainability programme. The Tobacco-Free Policy for FIFA Events follows the recommendations of the World Health Organization for sporting mega-events and aims to protect the right of non-smokers to breathe clean air that is not contaminated by carcinogens and other harmful substances.
Accessibility and inclusivity
Diversity and inclusion are key considerations for FIFA events. FIFA and the LOC have made sure that disabled fans, and fans with limited mobility, can enjoy a barrier-free environment alongside their fellow supporters. This includes infrastructure solutions – easy-access seating, parking spaces, rest areas, special entrances, access routes, toilets – and services – ticketing, wheelchair lending services, live audio-descriptive commentary – with stadium volunteers trained to provide information and assistance.
Disabled fans and fans with limited mobility can apply for two types of Special Access Tickets: wheelchair user places and easy-access amenity seats. You can find more information in the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019™ accessibility guide.
In Paris, Lyon, Reims and Grenoble, blind and partially sighted fans will be able to follow live audio-descriptive commentary with a more detailed narration of the match. Headphones and receivers will be freely available for fans at dedicated points in those stadiums.
Waste and recycling
The accumulation of waste has a negative impact on the environment through the pollution of soil, water and air, and can cause serious harm to humans, animals and plant life. Many national and local authorities are making an effort to better manage waste. As the organisers of a sporting mega-event, which creates a significant amount of waste, FIFA and the LOC have developed a waste management concept for the separation of recyclable material including plastic, paper, cardboard, cans and glass from general waste in all stadiums.
Anti-Discrimination
Racism and discrimination are a blight on society, and their impact on football is undeniable. FIFA recognises its responsibility to lead the way in abolishing all forms of discrimination from our game, as well as to make the most of the influence that football has beyond the pitch.
At all FIFA Women’s World Cup matches, FIFA will empower referees to implement the three-step procedure in the event of any discriminatory incidents: to first stop the match and broadcast a public announcement insisting that the discriminatory behaviour cease; to then suspend the match until the behaviour stops; and finally, if the behaviour still persists, to abandon the match. In all cases, the referees will be supported by other match officials to assess and manage critical situations.
We ask you to uphold the principles of fair play and to take part in football in a spirit of unity, respect and equality. If you witness or experience any form of discrimination, please support us and inform the steward near to you.