Global call for integrity: Fight corruption in sport

Corruption is not just a threat – it is a corrosive force that undermines the very foundations of society.

In sport, it jeopardises trust, integrity, and the core values that inspire billions around the globe. As we observe International Anti-Corruption Day today, and the Sport Integrity Global Alliance’s (SIGA) Anti-Corruption Week, the call to action is clearer than ever: We must unite to protect sport from the increasing threat of corruption and criminal infiltration.

On June 13, the SIGA FITS Forum, hosted by Winston and Strawn LLP, in New York, witnessed a historic moment. For the first time, 80 global leading experts, representing some of the most influential public and private entities in the field of anti-corruption, aligned their visions to produce the New York Declaration on Financial Integrity and Transparency in Sport.

Since then, like-minded individuals and an increasing number of organisations have been adding their signatures to the document. In so doing, those champions of integrity in sport are showcasing their commitment to walking the talk, and telling the world it is time for more action, and less conversations.

The New York Declaration is a landmark document that sets forth an ambitious, yet essential agenda, for reform. It affirms that financial integrity is the bedrock of good governance in sport and is absolutely indispensable to its credibility.

It identifies the most vulnerable areas and systemic weaknesses that facilitate corruption, money laundering, tax evasion, and the increasing involvement of transnational organised crime. It then lays out practical solutions that require global collaboration, including:

1. Implementation of SIGA’s Universal Standards on Sport Integrity.

2. Creation of a Global Clearing House to ensure transparency and oversight of financial transactions in sport.

3. Establishment of a Sport Integrity Fund funded by revenue from broadcasting rights, sponsorship deals, and sports betting.

4. Stricter oversight of major sporting events to promote transparency and accountability in hosting rights and sponsorship agreements.

Despite progress in recent years, it is widely recognised that sport continues to grapple with significant challenges, including weak governance, inadequate regulations, a lack of targeted, results-driven collaboration, and insufficient independent scrutiny and oversight.

These deficiencies create a permissive environment that enables corruption, money laundering, tax evasion, and the growing menace of transnational organised crime. The urgency for a robust, modernised, and effective global regulatory framework, coupled with inclusive, coordinated, action-oriented and results-driven cooperation, at both the national and international levels, has never been greater.

We must remind ourselves that organised crime doesn’t play by the book, doesn’t take days off, and doesn’t have any scruples. Corruption is a global threat that requires immediate and coordinated action.

A stark reminder of this came in 2015, when a major investigation exposed decades of systemic corruption within Fifa, involving bribery and fraud. This scandal not only tarnished the reputation of one of the most influential organisations in sport but also highlighted the profound risks posed by a lack of transparency and accountability.

While reforms have since been implemented, the case remains a cautionary tale of how corruption can infiltrate even the most iconic institutions. It reinforces the urgent need for governments, federations, leagues, clubs, sponsors, media rights holders, and fans to raise their voices, demand change, and take decisive action.

At SIGA, we issue an open invitation for all like-minded individuals and organisations to join this movement. By co-signing the New York Declaration, you and your organisation take a definitive stand for sport integrity. It is not just about words; it is about meaningful actions that drive tangible change.

Together, we can create a culture where transparency and accountability are non-negotiable. This week, as we observe SIGA’s Anti-Corruption Week, let us reflect on the role we all play in shaping the future of sport.

The time for action is now. If not now, when? If not us, who? Only together, can we ensure that sport remains a space of virtue, free from corruption, money laundering, tax evasion, and criminal influence – and remain a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come.

We are counting on you. You know you can count on SIGA.

Emanuel Macedo de Medeiros is SIGA’s global chief executive officer. Twentytwo13 is SIGA’s official media partner.