Everton & Liverpool Recognised By UEFA For Stance Against Discrimination

The actions of Everton and Liverpool Football Clubs in condemning racist abuse directed at midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure following February's Merseyside derby have been recognised by European football's governing body, UEFA.

The two clubs were named as joint recipients of a 2025 UEFA FootbALL Award on Thursday at a ceremony held in Zurich, Switzerland.

The annual awards recognise clubs, players and associations who have acted as role models in promoting diversity, inclusion and accessibility.

Following February's match at Goodison Park, Everton and Liverpool came together to strongly condemn online abuse aimed at Blues star Doucoure, issuing a joint statement that reaffirmed the clubs' united stance against all forms of discrimination.

UEFA's Human Rights Steering Group, which includes former Everton midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger, ex-Arsenal and France star Patrick Vieira and Italian great Alessandro Costacurta, elected to recognise the clubs' collaborative approach, also highlighting how steps taken to identify the perpetrators underlined "their commitment to a zero-tolerance stance on racism".

Ben Osu, Everton's Head of Equity and Inclusion, who was in Switzerland to collect the award alongside Liverpool's Director of Impact, Rishi Jain, said: "As a football club, we have long stood up for what is right, with the aim of creating an environment and a sport where everyone is respected, celebrated and empowered.

"By working with our colleagues at Liverpool FC, and by standing up against the abuse aimed at Abdoulaye Doucoure, we sent out a strong message - that racism and hate in all its forms will not be tolerated and has no place online, in our stadiums or in our communities."

The award was presented on the second day of the 2025 UEFA RESPECT Forum, which convenes key professionals, stakeholders and experts actively advancing social and environmental sustainability across European football.

Michele Uva, UEFA Director of Social & Environmental Sustainability, said: "The FootbALL Awards shine a light on organisations who use football as a force for good. We are proud to honour these exceptional winners, who remind us that the true impact of our game goes far beyond the pitch - it lies in its ability to unite, uplift, and create lasting change in our communities. 

"Their commitment sets a powerful example for how football can drive meaningful change, both within the game and across society."