Press Release: UEFA teams up with EU on fight against young people smoking

Just before the start of the 2002 World Cup, UEFA teamed up with the European Union for an anti-smoking campaign targeting young people between 12 and 18 years old. The co-operation agreement was signed by David Byrne, European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection, and UEFA President Lennart Johansson at a World Cup warm-up match between Denmark and Cameroon in Copenhagen on 17 May 2002. European football and its players act as a model for young people across Europe. Strong statements against smoking by European football stars will support young people in their decision not to smoke. Moreover, UEFA plans to call on the national football associations to support the EU anti-smoking campaign to help combat smoking among children and adolescents.