Let's work together to keep sport safe for everyone

Child safety must be embedded in every Australian sporting organisation’s culture and understood and implemented at all levels of the sport, says Sport Integrity Australia’s CEO David Sharpe.

Edleen John writes for the England Programme about ongoing fight against racism

It’s been a difficult year for many of us and as we experienced this summer, football can serve to remind us of some of the things we’ve been missing out on.

Major tournaments are a brilliant opportunity to unite friends, families and the country. They are a hugely exciting time for everybody, and your collective support is what spurs our team on during matches, giving them the best chance of succeeding.

Ghanian Player Union helps defender Nicholas Opoku win legal case

Ghana National team player Nicholas Opoku wins legal case against Club Africain
Opoku wins extra compensation under a new FIFA rule that can be triggered in extreme cases
Black Stars player was supported in three-year case by Ghanaian player union and FIFPRO

Swimming Australia board to work towards National Integrity Framework

The Swimming Australia Board agreed yesterday to work towards adopting the National Integrity Framework (NIF), including the operation of an independent complaints handling process to be managed by Sport Integrity Australia.

Swimming Australia Board to work towards National Integrity Framework

World Rugby partnering with unions and regions to grow the sport

Participation is one of the three core pillars of World Rugby’s strategic plan launched in April
Plan is focused on empowering the 128 member unions and six regions by increasing their capacity and capability
Ambition to increase the total global playing population to over 10 million by 2025
In line with strategic commitment to grow the women’s game, this plan aims to increase active female players by a further 10 per cent
Successful Get into Rugby and Impact Beyond programmes to be expanded

Sport Integrity Australia announce Corporate Plan 2021-2025

Australia is a nation of sports lovers. Sport plays an important role in Australia’s culture. Our love of sport is reflected in the large numbers of people who play and participate in sport, attend sporting events or passionately watch their teams on television.

Robert Huygens has been elected as the new president of the Royal Belgian Football Association

Huygens was elected for a one-year term by the association’s board of directors. He initially took the president’s role on an interim basis earlier this summer after Mehdi Bayat announced that he would be retiring as president after two years in office.

CAS upholds the appeal filed by FAA & Nedim Bajrami for change of association from Switzerland to Albania

Lausanne, 30 August 2021 - The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has issued its decision in the appeal filed by the Football Association of Albania (FAA) and the player Nedim Bajrami against the decision issued by the Single Judge of the FIFA Players’ Status Committee dated 27 May 2021 (the Challenged Decision). In the Challenged Decision, the request filed by the FAA in respect of Mr Bajrami for change of association from Switzerland to Albania was denied.

Algerian tennis player sanctioned for betting offences

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has today confirmed that Algerian tennis player Hichem Yasri has been banned from the sport for three months and fined $5000 (suspended on condition of no further breaches) for placing bets on tennis matches in breach of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program (TACP) rules. None of the player’s bets were on matches he was participating in or had inside information on.

Disciplinary charges, responses and suspensions for August 2021

INCIDENT ON THE FIELD OF PLAY WHICH FALLS WITHIN LAW 12, WHICH WAS NOT SEEN BY MATCH OFFICIALS, BUT WAS CAUGHT ON VIDEO (FAST TRACK 1)
Craig Forsyth, Player, Derby County FC

NFL-NFLPA COVID-19 Protocols for the 2021 Regular Season

The NFL distributed to clubs a consolidated set of the NFL-NFLPA COVID-19 Protocols for the 2021 Regular Season. This consolidated document includes the following:

FIFA publishes report on ten years of international transfers

USD 48.5 billion spent on transfer fees over the past decade
200 FIFA member associations involved in international transfers
Top 30 clubs in terms of transfer fee spend are European

NFL announces agreements with four approved sportsbook operators

NEW YORK -- The National Football League (NFL) today announced it has reached agreements with FOX Bet, BetMGM, PointsBet, and WynnBET to become Approved Sportsbook Operators for the 2021 NFL season. These agreements make all four operators eligible to purchase NFL in-game commercial units and other select NFL media inventory.

EFL releases League-wide anti-discrimination video

The EFL has produced a League-wide anti-discrimination video as part of its ‘Together Against Discrimination’ campaign, which calls on all in stadiums to call out abuse, report discrimination and to respect players and one another.

Welfare-focused rugby law trials to be implemented globally

Rugby united in its ongoing commitment to enhance welfare outcomes
Five welfare-focused trials to be adopted globally from 1 August, 2021
Truly collaborative process has involved players, coaches, competitions and medics
Players and competitions welcome trial
Outcomes will be evaluated in 2022 in inform decision on adoption into law

World Rugby unveils six-point plan to cement ambition to be the most progressive sport on player welfare

Former players, current players and a specific focus on the women’s game at the heart of six-point action plan developed by the game, for the game
World Rugby to continue to engage, listen and consult to secure the future growth of the game – everyone in the game will have a say and role to play
First series of initiatives include new global law trials with a continued focus on player welfare, introduced from 1 August; and the introduction of Independent Concussion Consultants to support the elite game’s Graduated Return to Play protocols
World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont addresses rugby family in open letter

World Rugby launches new guidelines to mark Colour Blind Awareness Day 2021

More than 300 million people worldwide currently live with some form of colour vision deficiency and World Rugby is committed to ensuring they can enjoy the game at all levels.

Rahul fined for breaching ICC Code of Conduct

India opener KL Rahul has been fined 15 per cent of his match fee for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the third day of the fourth Test against England at The Oval.

U.S. Track & Field Athlete Eliud Ngetich Accepts Sanction for Anti-Doping Rule Violation

USADA announced today that Eliud Ngetich, of El Doret, Kenya, an athlete in the sport of track and field, has accepted a two-year period of ineligibility for an anti-doping rule violation committed under the 2009 version of the World Anti-Doping Code.

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) and commercial real estate and investment firm CBRE have renewed their partnership for another four years.

The agreement will see CBRE continue to provide property consultancy and advisory services, as well as significant upgrade and improvement works to Twickenham Stadium. These works include the replacement of the East Stand roof and the development of the RFU’s long-term sustainability and energy management strategy plus its facilities management services.

Australia’s Paralympic medallists to be paid the same bonuses as Olympians

The Australian government has announced it will give Paralympics Australia extra funding to close the bonus pay gap for those para-athletes winning medals at the Tokyo Games.

Operational Rules Tribunal suspends Aaron Jones-Bishop of Hunslet for eight matches

Aaron Jones-Bishop of Hunslet has been suspended for eight matches after being found guilty of a Grade F charge of “Other Contrary Behaviour – biting” in the Betfred League 1 fixture against Rochdale Hornets on August 22.

ITA reports that gymnast Martina Dominici accepted 3-year period of ineligibility for presence of prohibited substances

THE INTERNATIONAL TESTING AGENCY (ITA) REPORTS THAT THE ARGENTINIAN GYMNAST MARTINA DOMINICI HAS ACCEPTED A THREE-YEAR PERIOD OF INELIGIBILITY AFTER TESTING POSITIVE FOR TWO ANABOLIC ANDROGENIC STEROIDS.

UEFA anti-doping education drive

UEFA has launched a new anti-doping education strategy – based on financial support which will enable its 55 member associations to run education activities to help footballers stay clean.

Wyoming Awards Genius Sports Inaugural Sports Betting License

State gaming authority grants Genius Sports approval to support sportsbook partners statewide.

Genius Sports Limited (NYSE: GENI) (“Genius Sports”), the official data, technology and commercial partner that powers the ecosystem connecting sports, betting and media, announced today that it has been granted a long term Online Sports Wagering Vendor Permit by the Wyoming Gaming Commission.

F1 Commission to review rules after Belgian GP ‘to see what can be learned and improved’, says Todt

FIA President Jean Todt has announced there will be a review of Formula 1’s regulations – including the practice of handing out points once a race has run to a minimum of two laps – in the aftermath of last weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix.

Special rules introduced for UEFA’s club competitions

UEFA has set out a series of special rules for the group stages of the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Europa Conference League, as well as the UEFA Women’s Champions League and the UEFA Youth League in light of the ongoing pandemic in Europe

Afghan women cyclists brought to safety in Europe cpa cycling

We are delighted to share the following Road to Equality press release from the Association of the Italian Professional Cyclists ACCPI.

A small group of Afghan women cyclists has managed to reach Italy on board a C-130 of the Italian Air Force that landed at Fiumicino (Rome) on 27th August. Six athletes are currently observing the required quarantine, alongside a male athlete and several family members. Joy, but also concern about those who are haven’t yet been able to leave Afghanistan.

World Triathlon asserts a potential anti-doping rule violation against Alexander Bryukhankov

World Triathlon reports that a sample collected from Alexander Bryukhankov, a triathlete from Russia, has returned an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) for recombinant Erythropoietin (EPO) (S.2 Peptide, Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances, and Mimetics).

FIFA welcomes CAS decision on qualifying matches

FIFA welcomes today’s ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) rejecting the Spanish LaLiga’s request to set aside the decision by FIFA to extend the international window for the FIFA World Cup™ qualifiers in South America by two days.

Hankook Tire renews longstanding UEFA Europa League and UEFA Europa Conference League partnership

The global tire manufacturer commits to a new multi-season deal, its fourth consecutive sponsorship cycle, and is approaching ten years of partnership with UEFA.

ESIC Issues 2 year ban to Nicolai “Hunden” Petersen for breach of ESIC Code of Conduct

OVERVIEW:

On Tuesday 6th July, ESIC received notification that Nicolai “HUNDEN” Petersen had allegedly engaged in behaviour that could be classified as a breach of ESIC’s Integrity Program. Upon receiving this notification, ESIC commenced an investigation, reviewing the evidence then available and pursuing other investigative lines of enquiry.

UEFA working group on workers’ rights makes first visit to World Cup 2022 hosts

In May, UEFA set up a dedicated working group to gain a better or further understanding regarding the issues surrounding human rights in Qatar up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup and beyond.

Statement on FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifying match Guinea vs. Morocco

The current political and security situation in Guinea is quite volatile and is being closely monitored by FIFA and CAF. To ensure the safety and security of all players and to protect all match officials, FIFA and CAF have decided to postpone the FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifying match Guinea vs. Morocco, which had scheduled to be hosted in Conakry, Guinea, on Monday 6 September.

NHL and NHLPA announce agreement with IIHF

Paralympian stripped of gold medal for arriving three minutes late to event

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has stripped Malaysian shot putter Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli of his gold medal as he arrived three minutes late for the event.

World Rugby announces broadcast deal for Rugby World Cup 2021 and 2023

Under the deal, which is announced just ahead of two years to go to Rugby World Cup 2023, TF1 will provide free-to-air coverage of Rugby World Cup 2021 in New Zealand (8 October-12 November, 2022) and Rugby World Cup 2023 in France (8 September-28 October).

Mr Maxim Agapitov (RUS) v. Mr Phil Andrews (USA)

The independent Ethics and Disciplinary Commission (EDC) of the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) has issued its first decision, which involved the President of the Russian Weightlifting Federation, Acting President of the European Weightlifting Federation (EWF) and member of the IWF Executive Board Maxim Agapitov (complainant) and USA Weightlifting Chief Executive Officer Phil Andrews (respondent).

No positive tests reported in the re-analysis of long-term storage samples of Australian athletes

There were no positive tests reported in the re-analysis of long-term storage samples of Australian athletes prior to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic games.

Chelsea FC charges after recent match at Anfield

Chelsea FC has been charged with two breaches of FA Rule E20.1 following their Premier League fixture against Liverpool FC on Saturday [28/08/21].

Liliya Shakirova Accepts Sanction for Violation of UFC Anti-Doping Policy

USADA announced today that Liliya Shakirova, of Tashkent, Uzbekistan, has accepted a two-year sanction for a violation of the UFC^® Anti-Doping Policy.

Checking your medication – a guide for athletes

MEDICATIONS THAT ATHLETES USE, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THEY ARE PURCHASED OVER THE COUNTER OR RECEIVED WITH A PRESCRIPTION FROM A DOCTOR, MAY CONTAIN SUBSTANCES THAT ARE PROHIBITED IN SPORT. THESE PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES (AND METHODS) ARE LISTED OUT IN A DOCUMENT CALLED THE PROHIBITED LIST. IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT ATHLETES AND THEIR SUPPORT PERSONNEL UNDERSTAND EXACTLY WHAT SUBSTANCES ARE PERMITTED, IN WHAT DOSAGE AND UNDER WHICH CONDITIONS. REMEMBER, THE PRINCIPLE OF STRICT LIABILITY MEANS THAT ATHLETES ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT THEY INGEST. TO HELP ATHLETES AND ATHLETE SUPPORT PERSONNEL SAFELY NAVIGATE THIS PART OF THE ANTI-DOPING SYSTEM, WE HAVE PREPARED THIS ARTICLE WITH BRIEF EXPLANATIONS OF KEY TERMS, USEFUL TIPS AND RESOURCES.

F1 Commission to review rules after Belgian GP ‘to see what can be learned and improved’, says Todt

WADA Foundation Board approves new member of Executive Committee

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Foundation Board (Board) has formally approved the appointment of the new Americas Sports Council (CADE) President, Mr. Guillermo Herrera Castaño, Minister of Sport of Colombia, as the Americas representative on the Executive Committee (ExCo), effective immediately. Mr. Herrara Castaño replaces Mr. Ernesto Lucena Barrero on the ExCo, who stood down as Colombia’s Minister of Sport and CADE President in June 2021.

FIFAPRO joins Qatari government and BWI at Migrant Workers Forum in Doha

The Ministry for Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs (MADLSA) and Building and Woodworkers’ International (BWI) organised a Community Leaders’ Forum on 27 August 2021 in Doha, Qatar.

The CCES and CHL End Relationship

(Ottawa, Ontario – August 30, 2021) -- The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) announced today that it is no longer the anti-doping service provider for the Canadian Hockey League (CHL).

IWF Embraces Better Governance, Adopts New Constitution

Doha, 29 August 2021; During the General meeting today in Doha, the Member Federations of the International Weightlifting Federation voted overwhelmingly to adopt a new, independently-drafted Constitution, that will radically overhaul the IWF’s governance. Of 133 Member Federations represented at the meeting, more than 2/3 voted in favour of the new measures.

Álvaro Dionisio on football trafficking in Portugal: 'I was too trusting and they tricked me'

In July 2019 Álvaro Dionisio arrived in Portugal from Argentina, excited at developing his career but after a year he had still not been paid
He remained confined to a house for months, with no money, along with about 10 other footballers in the same situation
With the help of the Portuguese player union SJPF he decided to take legal action against the club that brought him to Europe

UCI Statement concerning Marcin Polak

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) announces that the Polish rider Marcin Polak has been notified today of an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) for Erythropoietin (EPO)^{^[1]} in a sample collected during an out-of-competition doping control conducted on 2 August 2021.