Today, a joint alliance of the world's most famous football clubs to fight climate change, the “Football Clubs Alliance for Climate Initiative,” was launched at the initiative of Qarabağ FK, as part of the 29th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Agreement on Climate Change in Baku.

Axar.az reports that the event was hosted by Sky Sports commentator David Garrido.

Alongside a representative from Qarabağ FK, the alliance includes 10 clubs with considerable experience in addressing climate change and promoting sustainability, including Liverpool, Tottenham (both England), Atlético Madrid, Real Betis (both Spain), Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray (both Türkiye), Udinese (Italy), Porto (Portugal), Flamengo (Brazil), and Malmö FF (Sweden).

Speaking at the event, Minister of Youth and Sports, Farid Gayibov, highlighted that as a result of the policies implemented by President Ilham Aliyev, sports are developing in Azerbaijan.The minister also discussed the international sports events held in Azerbaijan and noted that the "Qarabağ" football club initiated the creation of the Football Clubs Alliance for Climate.

Yalchin Rafiev, the chief negotiator of COP29, emphasized the reality of climate change and its threat to billions:
"Signing the Baku Declaration and taking commitments by football clubs will be a significant step. Let’s fight for a healthier future."

Karl Marschall, head of the European Club Association, said the main goal of the meeting was to unite football clubs in their efforts against climate change:
"We will sign the Baku Declaration today. We will work together and encourage 720 member clubs of the association to reduce carbon emissions. Partners from Flamengo in South America are also participating. We believe the Baku Declaration will act as a catalyst for our actions, and we will continue working hand in hand."

Tahir Gozel, president of Qarabağ FC, said:
"Football has millions of fans. I am proud that we initiated the Football Clubs Climate Alliance."

Tereza Santos, sustainability manager of FC Porto, shared their efforts since 2007:
"In 2022, we signed the Porto Climate Pact and set a goal to eliminate emissions by 2030. Since 2015, we’ve reduced our carbon footprint by 20%. Our lighting system is efficient, and we recycle wastewater for stadium irrigation. Out of 100 diesel cars, only 10 remain, with the rest replaced by electric vehicles powered by solar panels near the stadium."

Liverpool FC’s impact director Rishi Jain shared:
"We plant trees and provide our players with fruits we grow. We also have 60,000 bees producing honey for our players. Our stadium’s turf, considered one of the best, is recycled into furniture."

Rocio Torres, head of sustainability and responsible business at Atlético Madrid, highlighted:
"Our stadium has six water tanks that collect rainwater, which we use for irrigation. We only water the field when moisture drops below 20%. Last year, floodwaters were collected around our stadium, emphasizing the importance of sustainability."

Sustainability representatives from Tottenham, Udinese, and Real Betis discussed reducing emissions and sustainability projects. Magda Pozzo from Udinese revealed that 400,000 plastic bottles were recycled to create player uniforms.

Markus Perry from Tottenham expressed hope for more clubs to join the alliance and sign the Baku Declaration.

Gaia Pretner, sustainability director at the European Club Association, emphasized the need for specialists in sustainability, urging clubs to reduce their carbon footprint.

Lindita Haferri Salihu, leader of the Sport for Climate Action Movement, called for knowledge sharing among clubs:
"Football clubs can guide fans in reducing emissions. No club, city, or country can achieve this alone. We can harness the influence of sports."

The event concluded with the signing ceremony of the Baku Declaration.