UEFA brings Nepal’s flood tragedy into Champions League floodlight
UEFA has used the opening week of the Champions League to express solidarity with Nepal following the devastating August 26 floods that killed more than 1,300 people and left thousands missing.
The UEFA Champions League has turned its opening week into a show of solidarity with Nepal, with players, officials and supporters observing moments of silence for victims of the devastating floods that struck the country on August 26.
UEFA introduced the tribute across all 18 matches in the opening round, with stadiums displaying banners carrying the message, “You are not alone Nepal”, as European football joined the international response to the disaster.
The floods swept through the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river systems after a catastrophic landslide and glacial collapse, destroying homes, roads, bridges and hydropower facilities and leaving a huge humanitarian crisis in its wake.
More than 1,300 people have died, while thousands remain unaccounted for as rescue and recovery operations continue.
The tribute began with the first round of fixtures, including Real Madrid’s meeting with Inter Milan, Porto against Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund’s clash with Villarreal, before continuing throughout the remainder of the matchweek.
UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin said the gesture represented the support and condolences of the wider European football community for those affected.
The show of solidarity comes as Nepal continues a difficult recovery effort, with international rescue teams assisting local authorities and humanitarian organisations delivering emergency supplies to affected communities.
The football tribute has therefore provided a global platform for Nepal’s tragedy while reminding millions of supporters that the country remains in need of assistance long after the floodwaters have receded.
