European football’s governing body, UEFA, will pay tribute to victims of the devastating flash floods that hit Nepal on August 26, 2026, before all Champions League matches scheduled for this week.
UEFA announced on Monday that a moment of silence would be held ahead of each fixture, while a banner carrying a message of solidarity would also be displayed in support of the people of Nepal.
The banner will bear the words: “You are not alone Nepal”.
UEFA said the gesture was aimed at expressing sympathy with those affected by the disaster while offering support as communities continue their recovery.
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin said the European football community would unite with the victims and their families.
“The entire European football family will stand together before this week’s matches to express our deepest condolences and our support to the people of Nepal.
“We wish them strength and resilience as they continue to recover from this tragedy and its aftermath,” Čeferin said.
The floods have left communities devastated as Nepal continues to grapple with the aftermath of the disaster.
The tribute will be observed before every Champions League match taking place this week.
The 2026/27 UEFA Champions League league phase is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, September 8, with 36 clubs set to compete under the competition’s new single-league format.
The league phase will feature 144 matches spread across eight matchdays, with teams competing for positions that will determine their progression into the knockout stages. The Champions League final is scheduled for June 5, 2027, in Madrid.
Nepal had earlier declared a national day of mourning for victims of the catastrophic glacial floods, as families of missing hydropower workers continued to hope that those trapped inside tunnels could still be rescued.
The August 26 glacial and mountain collapse along the China-Nepal border reportedly killed at least 1,398 people, while more than 5,500 others remained missing, including about 800 foreigners.
As the country observed the 13th day of mourning in line with Hindu traditions, flags were flown at half-mast and candlelight vigils were planned later in the day.