A structured, research-led approach to sustainability assessment in professional football
The FASE Framework
The FASE Framework provides a clear, staged approach to assessing and strengthening sustainability practice within professional football clubs.
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It is governance-led, football-specific, and designed to support credible progression over time rather than one-off compliance.
How the FASE Framework Works
FASE operates through a structured three-stage model. Each stage builds on the previous one, allowing clubs to progress at an appropriate pace based on their context, capacity, and risk profile.
Stage 1: Readiness Review
The Readiness Review establishes a club’s baseline sustainability position.
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It assesses governance, policies, data availability, and operational practice across the four FASE pillars, identifying gaps and material risks.
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Purpose: To support understanding and prioritisation.
What the Framework Assesses
The FASE Framework assesses sustainability across four core pillars that reflect how professional football clubs are governed and operated.
Governance
Leadership structures, accountability, policies, and decision-making.
Environmental Management
Environmental controls, monitoring, and carbon-related practice.
Stakeholder Engagement
Structured engagement with supporters, communities, staff, and partners.
Transparency & Financial Oversight
Reporting quality, data integrity, and financial sustainability.
Assessment Outcomes
The framework produces a structured readiness score reflecting maturity across the four pillars.
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Outcomes are designed to support:
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Internal governance and decision-making
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Understanding of sustainability risk
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Credible communication with stakeholders
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Progress is measured over time, not through one-off assessment.
Independence and Scope
FASE is an independent framework.
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It does not replace regulation or licensing requirements.
Instead, it supports clubs in understanding, preparing for, and evidencing sustainability and governance expectations.