The paper will present new data on the frequency of tobacco-free policies at football stadiums across UEFA's 55 member associations, including data on mandatory and voluntary policies, and levels of adherence by fans. With reference to this new evidence-base, the author will then detail new partnerships with UEFA, national football associations, Healthy Stadia and tobacco-control agencies in the development of a declaration.
The declaration will commit national associations and/or league operators to embed tobacco-free stadia policies and enforcement within stadium regulations and conditions of sale for tickets to matches, and will be supported by a wide range of assets including guidance, case studies and training modules. It is anticipated that national associations will adopt a phased approach to implementing the primary aims of the declaration, with a commitment to completing the process within 24 months of signing the declaration. The declaration will be launched in June 2019 at the UEFA Nations League Finals in Portugal.