Suomi kruunattiin Unity Euro Cup 2025 -mestariksi

Lue koko lehdistötiedote (englanniksi).

The Unity EURO Cup once again highlighted how football can encourage understanding and unity, bringing together individuals from diverse cultures and life experiences through shared passion and teamwork. Organised by UEFA with the support of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, this year’s edition welcomed 17 national associations teams of refugees and host community players along with a European Union team, and included three new teams – Albania, Liechtenstein and Poland.

In a day filled with emotion, energy and sportsmanship, Finland triumphed for the second time in a thrilling final against Armenia (0-0, 4-3 on penalties), concluding a tournament that was defined not only by goals and results, but by the friendships, mutual respect and solidarity shared among all participants. The final was officiated by Serdar Gözübüyük, a UEFA international referee.

Each team in the seven-a-side Unity EURO Cup included seven refugee players and four from host communities, with a strong emphasis on gender inclusion. The tournament also helps reshape public perceptions around refugees by highlighting the valuable contributions they make to their new communities – not only through their skills and expertise, but also as leaders, role models and active participants in society.

A standout feature of this year’s edition was the Refugee Referee Programme, a collaboration between Amsterdam-based amateur club AVV Zeeburgia and the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB). This pioneering initiative trains refugees to become certified referees, offering them a meaningful way to engage with Dutch society, build networks, and contribute their skills to the game. Thanks to this initiative, AVV Zeeburgia now has a surplus of referees.

The day before the tournament, a dedicated Forum on the theme of “refugee inclusion in football” brought together three refugee speakers and representatives from UEFA, the KNVB, UNHCR, the European Union and the Dutch government. The Forum focused on enhancing refugees’ access to national football structures and strengthening institutional support.

Michele Uva, UEFA social & environmental sustainability executive director said: “We are grateful to UNHCR and the KNVB for their great support and collaboration on this unique event. The Unity EURO Cup is a vivid example of how football can drive social change, offering a space for inclusion and meaningful engagement. By bringing together refugees and host communities and empowering refugees to officiate matches, we are expanding the boundaries of what sport can achieve. This tournament is not just about competition – it is changing the narrative by creating connection, opportunity, and hope. Football can give a hand and help refugees feel welcomed and integrated into larger communities.”

Philippe Leclerc, UNHCR Europe Bureau Director added: “The Unity EURO Cup has now become a flagship initiative of our partnership with UEFA in Europe regionally, and with the Football Associations at the country level. This is a great example of inclusion – football has the power to break down barriers and bring refugees and the communities hosting them, together.”

Gijs de Jong, KNVB general secretary said: “In the Netherlands, football is more than just a game. It is where people come together, where differences fade and the true meaning of connection shines through. It celebrates equality and inclusion, the values at the heart of our society. A tournament like this shows how powerful football can be in bringing people closer and building a stronger, more united community. As a national association, we see it as our role and responsibility to nurture that power.”

The Unity EURO Cup is a key initiative within UEFA’s Football Sustainability Strategy 2030, which notably supports the inclusion of refugees, asylum-seekers and displaced individuals through football. Aligned with UNHCR’s Sport Strategy – More than a Game – the tournament continues to demonstrate how sport can be a powerful force for social cohesion and positive change.

Participating teams in 2025

Albania, Armenia, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Malta, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Poland, Republic of Ireland, Slovenia, Spain, and the European Union.