UEFA Announces Haleon As Its First-Ever Medical Health Partner

UEFA has announced a landmark multi‑year scientific partnership with Haleon, appointing the global consumer health company as UEFA Medical’s first Health Partner.

The partnership brings together UEFA Medical’s expertise in football medicine and injury prevention with Haleon’s leadership in pain science and its established relationships with healthcare professionals to advance clinically informed, evidence-based approaches to football-related pain management.

Through scientific collaboration and knowledge exchange, the two organisations will work to strengthen standards and guidance in pain management, helping to protect player health and support recovery across the world’s most played game.

By combining their expertise, UEFA Medical and Haleon also aim to address the wider lack of clear, science-based guidance available beyond elite sport, generating and sharing evidence to support clinicians, teams and players at all levels of the game.

Additionally, the collaboration will include the development of expert‑reviewed educational initiatives, such as webinars and digital learning modules, designed to embed trusted, evidence‑led approaches to pain management into everyday clinical practice across Europe.

A particular focus will be placed on topical‑first approaches informed by scientific evidence and relevant to football-related injuries.

UEFA’s Chief of Medical & Anti-Doping, Dr Zoran Bahtijarević, said: “This partnership with Haleon reflects our shared interest in advancing the scientific understanding of pain management in football.

“By working together on research and knowledge exchange, we have the opportunity to further develop evidence‑based guidance that supports clinicians and medical teams in their day‑to‑day practice.

“Strengthening the quality and clarity of scientific evidence remains central to UEFA Medical’s mission, and this collaboration provides a valuable framework to continue that work.”

Eran Gefen, VP and Head of Medical & Scientific Affairs, OTC, Haleon said: “Haleon’s role in this collaboration is to bring medical expertise that strengthens the scientific guidance available to healthcare professionals managing pain in active individuals.

“By combining Haleon’s trusted pain-relief expertise and portfolio of pain-relief and sensorial relief brands – recommended by consumers and healthcare professionals alike – with UEFA’s specialist knowledge, we can provide clearer, evidence‑informed advice that supports self-care, a safe return to movement and helps people choose pain solutions that are right for their needs.”

UEFA Medical and Haleon have already collaborated on scientific research supporting the use of topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for early pain relief in sports injuries.

This marks the first body of evidence developed through the partnership and provides a strong foundation for future guidance. The initiative builds on an existing relationship between UEFA Medical and Haleon, reinforcing a shared commitment to movement, sport and better everyday health.