UEFA's Billion-Euro Commitment to Women's Soccer: The 'Unstoppable' Era

UEFA has pledged 1 billion euros toward women's soccer over the next six years, aiming to make it the most-played team sport for women in Europe. The strategy, titled 'Unstoppable,' seeks to double the number of professional leagues and players while facing challenges in growing the game's footprint.

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) announced a groundbreaking investment of 1 billion euros ($1.08 billion) to advance women's soccer across Europe. This initiative is part of a six-year 'Unstoppable' strategy dedicated to making soccer the leading team sport for women and girls in every European country.

Key goals include doubling the number of fully professional national leagues to six and increasing professional players from 3,000 to 5,000. UEFA's director of women's soccer, Nadine Kessler, emphasized the importance of this collective effort with associations, leagues, clubs, fans, and partners.

Despite persistent challenges, UEFA aims to facilitate pathways for women to engage in soccer at all levels, from grassroots to professional play. The organization also announced financial support to its 55 members through the Hat Trick program, funded partly by the men's European Championship.

(With inputs from agencies.)