SAFEGUARDING SPORT

About

To support the implementation of the above-mentioned resolutions by Governments, sports organizations and related stakeholders, UNODC launched a Programme on Safeguarding Sport from Corruption and Crime.

The programme is based on three pillars, namely:

  • Supporting Implementation:
Aims at assisting States in the implementation of resolutions related to corruption and crime in sport, such as through supporting the development of domestic legislation, policy-coordination to promote integrity in sport, fieldwork, trainings and workshops.
  • Enhancing Cooperation and Building Networks:
Aims at promoting international, regional, sub-regional and national cooperation as well as the creation of networks between different sectors, such as criminal justice authorities, law enforcement and sports organizations. This work also includes multi-stakeholder partnerships, such as IPACS (International Partnership Against Corruption in Sport).
  • Research and analysis
Aims at conducting research and analytical work to increase knowledge and promote education. This includes developing tools and publications to facilitate guidance on issues related to corruption and crime issues in sport, and to identify and develop international good practices.

UNODC has signed cooperation agreements with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) aimed at tackling corruption in sport.Excellent working relationships have also been developed with relevant stakeholders which include the Asian Racing Federation Anti-Illegal Betting Task Force, International Cricket Council (ICC), Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), World Rugby, and the Tennis Integrity Unit (TIU), amongst many others.

Between April 2018 and December 2020, the Global Programme supported over 6200 officials from law enforcement, criminal justice authorities, sport organizations and other relevant stakeholders from 136 States parties.
Notable activities over the period include:

  • Organizing two international conferences entitled "Safeguarding Sport from Corruption" supported by Brazil, the Russia Federation, India, Italy, China and South Africa;
  • Organizing the inaugural General Conference of the International Partnership against Corruption in Sport;
  • Developing and launching, in cooperation with the IOC, a publication entitled "Reporting Mechanisms in Sport: A Practical Guide for Development and Implementation" and;
  • Delivering workshops with INTERPOL, the IOC and FIFA for officials from Algeria, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cyprus, Egypt, Fiji, Ghana, Greece, Indonesia, Israel, Malaysia, Malta, Nigeria, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Turkey, Japan, Qatar and Uruguay among others.