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Netherlands hosts Unity Euro Cup 2025

KNVB Media
KNVB Media
12 February 2025, 9:45

UEFA has announced that the Netherlands will be the host country for the Unity Euro Cup. - Foto: KNVB Media

Tuesday February 11th, UEFA has announced that the Netherlands will be the host country for the Unity Euro Cup 2025 in October. This unique European championship, where refugees and locals form teams together, highlights how football connects people.

Sixteen countries will compete for the title, using sport as a powerful tool for inclusion and integration. The Netherlands has the honour of hosting the tournament this year, despite strong competition from other candidate host countries.

Football as a unifying force 

After two successful national editions at our Campus in Zeist, this is a fantastic next step

KNVB Secretary-General Gijs de Jong expressed his enthusiasm: "The KNVB is honoured to host the fourth edition of the Unity Euro Cup. After two successful national editions at our Campus in Zeist, this is a fantastic next step. This event aligns perfectly with our mission to create connection through football and make a visible social impact. We look forward to welcome teams from UEFA member associations and to unite through the universal language of football." 

Launched in 2022 by UEFA and UNHCR, the Unity Euro Cup is both a sporting and social initiative. In a world where millions of people are forced to flee their homes due to war and violence, football serves as a bridge, helping newcomers feel at home more quickly.

UEFA Director of Social & Environmental Sustainability Michele Uva: "I would like to express my gratitude on behalf of the UEFA to the KNVB for this great bid. It is inspiring to see a European member association so involved on the topic of refugee football. The UEFA and KNVB share a vision of inclusive football. We are looking forward to work together with the KNVB to bring the Unity Cup 2025 to Zeist."

The ‘Oranje’ feeling 

The moment players put on the Orange jersey, they feel part of something bigger

The Netherlands has been involved in the Unity Cup for several years. UNHCR Netherlands, Stichting Life Goals, and the KNVB have organized national editions, selecting teams to represent the country internationally. Gijs de Jong highlights the tournament’s impact: "Everyone wants to belong, to be part of society, and to contribute. But that’s not always easy. The moment players put on the Orange jersey, they feel part of something bigger. It’s wonderful to give refugees this ‘Oranje feeling’ and to see them form a team with their fellow citizens."  

What makes this edition of the Unity Euro Cup even more special is that all matches will be officiated by referees from the Refugee Referee project. This initiative provides refugees with the opportunity to work as football referees. Last year, this project by Zeeburgia won the Michael van Praag Award for the most inclusive initiative in football.

By hosting the Unity Euro Cup 2025, the Netherlands not only welcomes a fantastic sporting event but also sends a powerful message. Football is more than just a game – it brings people together, regardless of their background.


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