This achievement, facilitated by the EU-funded FREE KICKS project, marks a significant step forward. It effectively sets a new benchmark for environmental governance within football clubs and federations across Europe.

Understanding the EMAS Standard

What exactly have these organisations achieved? EMAS is a voluntary management instrument used by the EU to help organisations evaluate, report, and ultimately improve their environmental performance.

Achieving this registration is not just about ticking boxes; it is a commitment to three core principles:

• Performance: The clubs must actively manage and continuously improve their environmental impact.
• Transparency: They are required to openly share environmental information with the public.
• Credibility: This is ensured by having their entire environmental management system verified by independent experts.

To gain the certification, each organisation had to conduct a thorough environmental audit to assess its current impact, develop a clear improvement programme, and implement a robust environmental management system.

The FREE KICKS Project

This initiative was enabled by the FREE KICKS project, a 30-month-long programme co-funded by the European Union. Co-ordinated by the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, the project brings together a consortium of partners including FC Porto, Malmö FF, Real Betis, Racing Club, the Romanian Football Federation, European Football Clubs, and Sport Positive.

The project’s ambitious aim is to trigger football’s transition towards sustainability. It focuses specifically on the circular economy and environmental best practices within the sporting organisations’ operational activities. This work directly supports the EU’s wider goals, including the European Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan.

Exceeding Expectations

The FREE KICKS project has already proven to be a resounding success, highlighting the football sector’s readiness for change. The project’s leadership shared their satisfaction with the results.

“Our objective was to have three football organisations certified with EMAS, so we are happy to have achieved this goal.” Commented Professor Fabio Iraldo, Scientific Coordinator of the FREE KICKS project.

The project actually surpassed this target, with four partners successfully obtaining the certification.

FC Porto led the charge, becoming not only the first in the project but also the very first sports organisation in both Portugal and Europe to receive the EMAS certification. The momentum continued throughout 2025, with Real Betis Balompié following on 22 August, the Romanian Football Federation on 12 September, and Malmö FF on 17 October.

This milestone demonstrates the powerful influence of collaborative, EU-funded projects in embedding sustainable practices in professional football.

“Our research group [Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies]… strongly believe that football clubs can significantly improve their environmental performance.” added Professor Fabio Iraldo

As these four organisations lead by example, the FREE KICKS project provides a clear blueprint for how the world’s most popular sport can champion environmental sustainability.