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:

  1. Implementation
    This involves delivering normative work to assist States in the implementation of resolutions related to corruption and crime in sport, such as through supporting the development of domestic legislation and policy on corruption in sport and the provision of secretariat and substantive services to the treaty-based and governing bodies.
  2. Research and Analysis
    UNODC conducts research and analytical work to increase knowledge and develop guidance on corruption and crime issues in sport, and to identify and develop international good practices.
  3. Field work
    UNODC works with States parties and its partners to deliver technical assistance projects in in the field to enhance the capacity of Member States and sports organization to counter corruption and crime in sport.

Key to UNODC’s work has been its partnerships with INTERPOL and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the support of the European Union, Italy and the Russian Federation, as well as enhanced collaboration with the Asian Football Confederation, the International Cricket Council, the Union of Football Associations, Fédération Internationale de Football Association and World Rugby, amongst many others.

Between April 2018 and February 2020, the Global Programme supported over 5923 officials from law enforcement, criminal justice authorities, sport organizations and other relevant stakeholders from 127 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 and the IOC for officials from Algeria, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ghana, Indonesia, Malaysia, Colombia Nigeria, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Japan, Qatar and Uruguay.