Gender equality key for FIBA Commissions and Working Groups appointments for 2023-2027 cycle

FIBA has revealed its Commissions and Working Groups for the 2023-27 term following the first meeting of the newly elected Central Board. 

Having assembled on the eve of the recent FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Final in Manila, Philippines, the Central Board has confirmed all appointments, with a strong emphasis on working towards gender equality, which has delivered a number of important milestones. 

As per the amendments to the FIBA General Statutes enacted by the FIBA Mid-Term Congress in 2021, the requirement to have at least 30 percent representation of both genders in each Commission has been implemented. In fact, the Central Board has appointed 35 percent of women across all FIBA Commissions.

For the first time, three out of seven FIBA Commissions are Chaired by a woman, and in two of the other four Commissions, the Deputy Chair is a woman. It will also be the first time the FIBA Appeals Panel is Chaired by a woman.  

Meanwhile, the Central Board has appointed three women to the FIBA Foundation Board for the first time, including FIBA Hall of Famer Michelle Timms. Additionally, one of the two FIBA Foundation Advisory Committees is Chaired by a woman.

The majority of the women appointed as FIBA Commission members are either holding the office of President or Secretary General in their respective National Federations or they have attended one of FIBA’s dedicated programs designed as part of the 'Women in Basketball' strategic priority, such as the FIBA Adelante, the FIBA WiLEAD, the FIBA Africa Women’s Seminar and the FIBA TIME-OUT program.

This includes newly co-opted FIBA Central Board member Sonja Vasic, whose experience and success will be a welcome addition to the Players’ Commission. The Serbian legend boasts two FIBA Women's EuroBasket titles and was MVP at the 2021 edition, as well as leading her country to other historic highs, such as a first Olympic appearance and maiden medal at Rio 2016, and also being a flag bearer at the Tokyo 2020 Games.

Notably, there is a second term for another playing legend in Dirk Nowitzki, who will continue to be Chair of the Players' Commission. Sonja Vasic will serve as Deputy Chair.  

To enhance global representation, the Central Board has decided that all five regions of FIBA are represented through a Chair or a Deputy Chair of a FIBA Commission.

FIBA Technical Commission
Chair of Commission - Ms. Eleonora Rangelova (BUL) 
Deputy Chair of Commission - Mr. Patrick Hunt (AUS)
List of Commission members here.  

FIBA Legal Commission 
Chair of Commission - Ms. Erika Dy (PHI)
Deputy Chair of Commission - Mr. Yum Ramos Perales (PUR)
List of Commission members here.  

FIBA Players' Commission 
Chair of Commission - Mr. Dirk Nowitzki (GER)
Deputy Chair of Commission - Ms. Sonja Vasic (SRB)
List of Commission members here.  

FIBA Finance Commission 
Chair of Commission - Mr. Ingo Weiss (GER)
Deputy Chair of Commission - Mr. Erick Thohir (INA)
List of Commission members here.  

FIBA Medical Commission
Chair of Commission - Dr. Peter Harcourt (AUS)
Deputy Chair of Commission - Dr. Souheil Sayegh (SUI)
List of Commission members here.  

FIBA 3x3 Commission
Chair of Commission - Ms. Carmen Tocala (ROU)
Deputy Chair of Commission - Mr. Ambrose Tashobya (UGA)
List of Commission members here.  

The FIBA Competitions Commission is chaired by Mr. Edgar Sneps (LAT) and divided across four groups, each led by a Deputy Chair:

FIBA Competitions Commission – Men's National Teams 
Deputy Chair - Mr. Jim Tooley (USA)

FIBA Competitions Commission – Women's National Teams
Deputy Chair - Ms. Pascale Mugwaneza (RWA) 

FIBA Competitions Commission – Youth National Teams
Deputy Chair - Mr. Peter Bodnar (HUN)

FIBA Competitions Commission – Club Competitions
Deputy Chair - Mr. Serhan Antalyali (TUR) 

The full list of the FIBA Competitions Commission members is here.

The Working Group on Empower National Federations will be chaired by Mr. Fabian Borro (ARG), with Deputy Chair in charge of FIBA PLUS Mr. Jean-Michel Ramaroson (MAD) and Deputy Chair in charge of FIBA Academy Ms. Carol Callan (USA). The Working Group on Masters Basketball will be chaired by Mr. Asterios Zois (GRE) with Deputy Chair Mr. Ned Cotten (AUS), while the Working Group on eFIBA will be chaired by Mr. Al Panlilio (PHI) with Deputy Chair Mr. Athos Antoniou (CYP).

As President of the Basketball Arbitral Tribunal, the Central Board has re-appointed Prof. Ulrich Haas (GER) and as Vice-President Mr. Raj Parker. The FIBA Appeal's Panel Chair is Ms. Diana Tesic (SRB/CAN) and the Deputy Chair is Mr. Marek Palus (POL). New members of the FIBA Ethics Panel were also elected at the recent FIBA Congress and the panel will be chaired by Mr. Scott Derwin (AUS). The FIBA Safeguarding Council is chaired by HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein (JOR). 

The list of the FIBA Judicial and Other Bodies members is here.

ACTION PLAN AND FINE IMPOSED ON GILLINGHAM FOR CROWD CONTROL MISCONDUCT

Gillingham have been fined £12,500 and ordered to implement an action plan after admitting misconduct in relation to crowd control for incidents at three separate EFL League Two games during the 2022/23 season. 

The club failed to ensure that its spectators and/or supporters – and anyone purporting to be its supporters or followers – conduct themselves in an orderly fashion at its game against Colchester United on 26 December 2022, and don’t use words or behaviour that are improper, offensive, abusive, indecent, or insulting with either express or implied reference to race, colour or ethnic origin.

The club also failed to ensure that its spectators and/or supporters – and anyone purporting to be its supporters or followers – conduct themselves in an orderly fashion during its match against Sutton United on 29 December 2022, and don’t use words or behaviour that are improper, offensive, abusive, indecent, or insulting with either express or implied reference to gender.

Finally, the club failed to ensure that its spectators and/or supporters – and anyone purporting to be its supporters or followers – conduct themselves in an orderly fashion at its game against AFC Wimbledon on 25 February 2023, and don’t use words or behaviour that are improper, offensive, abusive, indecent, or insulting with either express or implied reference to gender.

An independent Regulatory Commission imposed the club’s sanctions following a hearing, and its written reasons for them can be seen below. 

Public Statement on Disciplinary Action Against Participant Joel “Joel” Holmlund

Introduction

The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) has taken decisive action to provisionally suspend Mr. Joel “Joel” Holmlund, a professional esports player, formerly of team Godsent, from all ESIC Member events in light of evidence available corroborating allegations of his multiple breaches of the ESIC Anti-Corruption Code.

Overview of the Case

It is alleged that Mr. Joel Holmlund, while being a professional player for the team Godsent, engaged in corrupt behavior contravening the ESIC Anti-Corruption Code during his participation in the BetBoom Playlist Urbanistic event, and separately in the IEM Dallas 2023 (Europe Closed Qualifier) involving Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), for the following infringements:

1. Between the period of 27 March 2023 to 28 March 2023, Mr. Holmlund placed bets on matches he was playing in;
2. On 31 March 2023, Mr. Holmlund placed two bets against his own team in one match; and
3. Between the period of 29 March 2023 to 1 May 2023, Mr. Holmlund proceeded to place 17 bets on various CS:GO matches.

Although the tournament related to item 1 was not an ESIC member event tournament, the ESIC Codes allow ESIC to issue a Rejection Order pursuant to item 2.A.2 of the Anti-Corruption Code. The tournament related to item 2 was an ESIC member event, and the ESIC Codes give ESIC jurisdiction. This sanction will be issued to all ESIC members and may be adopted by other third parties at their discretion.

Investigation and Charges

Our comprehensive investigation into the matter involved examining:

1. Records of individual bets placed during specific events.
2. Multiple account registrations and their associated details.
3. Digital footprints, including IP addresses, device IDs, and browser information.
4. Linkages between the betting accounts and various social media platforms.
5. Betting patterns in relation to specific esports matches and in-game performance.
6. Records of bets placed on various esports matches.
7. Patterns of betting behavior in relation to professional participation.

ESIC is grateful for the cooperation of our Anti-Corruption Supporter member betting operators for providing this evidence.

After collating and reviewing the evidence in light of the allegations, Mr. Holmlund was charged with a breach of ESIC’s Anti-Corruption Code, particularly:

2.1 Corruption:

2.1.1 Fixing or contriving in any way or otherwise influencing improperly, or being a party to any effort to fix or contrive in any way or otherwise influence improperly, the result, progress, conduct, or any other aspect of any Match.

 2.2 Betting:

2.2.1 Betting on any CS:GO Match, including matches that you were a professional participant in  as detailed in the infringements above.

2.2.2 Facilitating, aiding, abetting or otherwise assisting any party in committing acts described in 2.2.1.

2.2.3 Failing to disclose to the ESIC a full and true disclosure of all the facts and circumstances with respect to acts described in 2.1 and 2.2.

And further offences under the ESIC Code of Conduct articles as follows;

2.4.5 Where the facts of the alleged incident are not adequately or clearly covered by any of the above offences, conduct that brings Esport, the Game, Event, ESIC or a Member into disrepute.

Mr. Holmlund was served with a Notice of Charge on 30 August 2023 and given an opportunity to respond. After denying the charges in reply, ESIC gathered additional evidence to assess the veracity of his denials.

Considering the gravity of the allegations, Mr. Holmlund’s current active participation in an ESIC-affiliated event, and being satisfied with the compelling evidence presented in its further investigation, ESIC has elected to suspend Mr. Holmlund via a Rejection Order Notice. While the suspension stands, ESIC remains open to reevaluation should Mr. Holmlund present new evidence by 6 October 2023.

Sanction Duration

At the time of publication, as the Rejection Order Notice has not been finalised, ESIC will reserve the disclosure of the duration of the ban on participation in ESIC member events to be imposed. ESIC will make a further statement on or after 6 October 2023 to confirm the final outcome of the investigation.

The ESIC Open Matters Register, found on the ESIC website, will facilitate any further public updates about this matter as published by ESIC from time to time, and at its discretion.

Joint statement from The FA, Premier League, EFL, PFA and Kick It Out on Online Safety Bill

We welcome the passing of the Online Safety Bill and are pleased that English football has played a prominent role in the development of this legislation.

It is a significant moment for those who participate in the game as the Bill will hold social media companies to account and we look forward to working closely with Ofcom on its implementation.

We encourage the government to ensure that Ofcom and law enforcement are fully equipped to challenge social media companies if they fail to protect their users.

But social media companies don’t need to wait. They can introduce better tools right now so that users have a better experience, free from unwanted and damaging discrimination.

Professional boxer Kamil Sokolowski receives three-year ban for Anti-Doping Rule Violations

Polish professional boxer Kamil Sokolowski has been banned from all sport for a period of three years following Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) for the Presence and Use of a Prohibited Substance.

On 12 November 2022, UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) collected an In-Competition urine Sample from Mr Sokolowski after his fight against Frazer Clarke at the AO Arena in Manchester. Analysis of Mr Sokolowski’s Sample returned Adverse Analytical Findings (AAFs) for the exogenous origin of testosterone and its Metabolites 5α-androstane-3α, 17β-diol (‘5αAdiol’) and 5βandrostane-3α,17β-diol (‘5βAdiol’).

Testosterone is listed under section S1.1 of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) 2022 Prohibited List as an anabolic androgenic steroid. It is a non-Specified substance which, when administered exogenously, is prohibited in sport at all times.

On 21 April 2023, UKAD notified Mr Sokolowski of the AAFs and issued him with a Provisional Suspension from sport.

Mr Sokolowski responded to UKAD’s Notice on 30 April 2023 indicating that he used a supplement which he believed contained the Prohibited Substances found in his Sample.

On 26 May 2023, UKAD charged Mr Sokolowski with the commission of ADRVs for the Presence and Use of Prohibited Substances. Mr Sokolowski admitted the ADRVs and accepted the asserted period of Ineligibility. In accordance with ADR Article 10.8.1, Mr Sokolowski was able to reduce the asserted four-year period of Ineligibility to three years, after admitting the violations and accepting the asserted period of Ineligibility within twenty days of the Charge Letter.

Mr Sokolowski’s ban from all WADA Code-compliant sport commenced on 21 April 2023 and will expire at midnight on 20 April 2026.  

Speaking on the case, Hamish Coffey, UKAD Director of Operations said: “Strict liability applies to all athletes under the Anti-Doping Rules. It is essential that athletes take responsibility for what goes in their body. By not following the rules, athletes put their health and careers at risk and they will face a lengthy ban from sport.”

Extreme E extends broadcast partnership with ITV in the UK

AFC terminates exclusive commercial partnership with FMA

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has terminated its exclusive commercial partnership with Football Marketing Asia (FMA) with immediate effect.

The AFC's decision takes into careful consideration the new challenges and opportunities presented by the rapidly evolving post-pandemic commercial environment.

The now terminated commercial deal, which was signed in 2018, gave FMA (then known as DDMC Fortis) the exclusive rights to market the AFC’s commercial properties for the 2021-2028 cycles. 

The end of the exclusive partnership with FMA enables the AFC to explore new opportunities and collaborations that are better aligned with the current conditions, while securing its financial future for the long-term success of Asian football.

The AFC is now in the process of appointing a new exclusive commercial partner for the 2023-2028 term with more details to be announced in due course.

FIFA extends sanctions imposed by Brazilian FA due to match manipulation

World Rugby to protect officials and players from online abuse during Rugby World Cup 2023

• World Rugby is partnering with Signify Group to protect its online community and take action against hate speech and abuse
• Core wellbeing service will operate across all match officials and teams at Rugby World Cup 2023 
• World Rugby sending a clear zero-tolerance statement that online abuse will be monitored and action taken where necessary
• Wellbeing of participants a priority for World Rugby and its national unions

World Rugby has today announced that it will implement transformative measures to protect all match day officials and team squad players from online abuse during Rugby World Cup France 2023.

The move underpins World Rugby's wider commitment to promote and protect the sport’s values and Rugby World Cup 2023’s mantra as the sport’s greatest celebration of togetherness, driving positive change.

World Rugby is partnering with data science company Signify Group who will use its AI-driven Threat Matrix service to put an online protective shield around all tournament match officials, players and coaches. The service will include:

• Proactive real-time monitoring from open-source data on key platforms including X [formerly Twitter] and Instagram across the tournament
• Coverage in over 30 languages including images and emojis
• Daily reporting of abusive content and accounts to platforms to ensure appropriate action is taken
• Expedite abusive content take-down/sanctioning of account holders - where platform community guidelines are evidenced to have been broken
• Provide evidence to national associations to ban individuals from domestic and international rugby events 
• Most egregious cases have the potential to be reported to relevant law enforcement agencies and an ability to unmask the worst abusers who hide behind ‘fake’ accounts.

World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin said: “Rugby is a sport for everyone and we take our responsibility very seriously to make the sport as inclusive, accessible and relevant as possible. This includes sending a strong message that online hate simply will not be tolerated, tackling abuse and harmful content with meaningful action."

World Rugby Chief Communications Officer Dominic Rumbles added: “Doing everything we can to set a good example and protect players and match officials is important to World Rugby and our unions, and extending that welfare to the arena of social media is both logical and timely.

"Abuse, on or off the field, has no place in our game and today's announcement shows just how focused we are in tackling online hate aimed at the rugby family – working in partnership with proven experts Signify. This development also reflects our wider tournament goals to drive positive change and celebrate togetherness and unity; all part of a wider journey that World Rugby is very much focused on delivering.”

Jonathan Hirshler, CEO of Signify Group, said: “We are delighted to be working with World Rugby to help create a safer online space to ensure officials and players can be 100 per cent focused on their on-field responsibilities, and not be distracted and potentially harmed by vile online abuse. More and more sporting bodies are starting to take this issue seriously and it is great to be working with World Rugby where welfare is so core to its philosophy, in a sport built on respect, to drive positive change.”

WADA announces launch of Athletes’ Anti-Doping Ombuds website

Ombuds calls on athletes and Anti-Doping Organizations to take note of this important new resource

On behalf of the inaugural Athletes’ Anti-Doping Ombuds (Ombuds), Ms. Anna Thorstenson, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is pleased to announce the launch of the Athletes’ Anti-Doping Ombuds website, which is pertinent for Athletes covered by the World Anti-Doping Program.  

This website is a secure platform that athletes can use to contact the Ombuds, a free, neutral and confidential resource for athletes with questions or concerns about anti-doping issues. The website includes: 

• a contact form to send concerns/questions directly to the Ombuds; 

• detailed answers to frequently asked questions; and 

• links to other useful material and platforms, such as WADA’s Speak Up platform that is a secure way to report doping or other activity that goes against anti-doping rules. 

In March this year, Anna Thorstenson was announced as the inaugural Athletes’ Anti-Doping Ombuds. A Swedish lawyer and anti-doping specialist, Ms. Thorstenson is working independently of WADA; and, is overseeing the pilot project of the Ombuds Program, which includes development and publication of the new website. 

“As the Athletes’ Anti-Doping Ombuds, my role is to provide Athletes with cost-free, neutral, impartial, and fair advice and assistance with regard to their anti-doping concerns and to ensure fair application of their rights,” says Thorstenson, who has worked in the anti-doping field since 2009. “The new website is an excellent gateway for any Athlete who may have questions or legitimate concerns about their rights or the anti-doping system more generally. I would invite all athletes and Anti-Doping Organizations to please take note of this important new website and for ADOs to share it with athletes within their jurisdiction.”  

WADA Athlete Council Chair and ExCo member, Ryan Pini, said: “I am happy to see that the Athletes’ Anti-Doping Ombuds website is now up and running. The Ombuds Program is so important to the athlete community. I encourage athletes around the world to feel free to contact the Ombuds, Anna Thorstenson, directly via the site with any questions that they may have concerning the anti-doping system. The Ombuds role was established to fill the gap between Athletes and Anti-Doping Organizations and to provide Athletes with safe and confidential assistance when they feel they are unable to turn to their Anti-Doping Organization directly.” 

Background 

In November 2021, in line with the ‘Be Athlete Centered’ priority of WADA’s 2020-2024 Strategic Plan, WADA’s Executive Committee (ExCo) endorsed the one-year pilot project proposal for an Ombuds Program that was put forward by WADA’s Athlete Committee (now known as the Athlete Council since 1 January 2023).  The Program was also supported by the Athlete community and other stakeholders as a natural follow up to the Athletes’ Anti-Doping Rights Act, developed by WADA’s Athlete Committee and published in June 2020.  

The Ombuds provides athletes with cost-free, neutral, impartial, fair advice and assistance in relation to the World Anti-Doping Code and the entities that play a role within it. 

The Ombuds Program has been launched in Europe but is available to athletes from around the world. The hope is to create guidelines so that Anti-Doping Organizations in other countries may setup similar programs, realizing that many athletes would choose to go local first.  

You can learn more about the roles and responsibilities of the Ombuds on the Ombuds website.  

Resources To Help Safeguard Sport

Sport Integrity Australia is committed to Australian sport environments that are safe, supportive and friendly for children and young people.

It is essential everyone involved with delivering sport in Australia – Boards, committees, administrators, volunteers, coaches, parents or participants – understand the important legal and governance responsibilities they have in relation to child safety.

It’s also important that young people understand what a safe environment is, their rights and where they can go for help.

Sport Integrity Australia has developed specific safeguarding resources for clubs and sporting organisations at all levels of the sport, for parents and carers and for young people and children (aged 7-12 and 13-17).

Knowing our rights and obligations is the first step in ensuring that participation in sport is safe, supportive and friendly for all.

Our resources can be found at: Resources | Sport Integrity Australia.

Circular no. 1856 - Anti-discrimination measures for the preliminary competition of the FIFA World Cup 2026™

TO THE MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS OF FIFA

Circular no. 1856

Zurich, 1 September 2023

SG/agr/gde

Anti-discrimination measures for the preliminary competition of the FIFA World Cup 2026™

Dear Sir or Madam,

Below you will find information regarding the anti-discrimination measures that apply for all qualifying matches for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, and that require your active support, especially as a home member association. The information is structured as follows:

I. Procedure for discriminatory incidents (including the three-step procedure for referees)

II. Anti-discrimination monitoring system

III. Recommendations to support preventive measures of the participating member associations

We kindly ask you to carefully read the following instructions and inform the relevant departments in your association accordingly in order to ensure a diverse and discrimination-free competition.

I. Procedure for discriminatory incidents (including the three-step procedure for referees)

A. Safety and security measures

In general, the security personnel responsible for home matches must be informed of the measures in place to ensure respect for diversity and anti-discrimination. These could be instructions or discussions with spectators, as well as the removal of discriminatory banners and other items or of spectators from the stadium. We recommend the Fare network’s Global Guide to Discriminatory Practices in Football as a useful aid to identifying discriminatory behaviour: https://farenet.org/global-guide-to-discriminatory-practices-in-football.

B. Proactive pre-match stadium announcement 

For the purpose of informing spectators, a stadium announcement text is available on the FIFA Competitions extranet which shall be read or broadcast as preventive measure before each match. The home association is responsible for ensuring implementation in the relevant languages.

C. Reactive stadium announcement without interrupting the match 

FIFA provides you with a stadium announcement text on the FIFA Competitions extranet, which allows you to respond directly to discriminatory incidents during a match in the stadium (based on article 4 of the FIFA Statutes and article 15 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code), without interrupting the match. The fourth official informs the referee after every stadium announcement in response to an incident. The home association is responsible for ensuring implementation in the relevant languages.

In addition, FIFA also welcomes the use of your own event-related announcements or video clips responding to discriminatory incidents.

D. Three-step procedure

If the above measures are unsuccessful or if a sudden serious discriminatory incident occurs, the three-step procedure for referees will be applied, which FIFA has used for all its tournaments since the FIFA Confederations Cup Russia 2017. The home association is responsible for providing the referee with operational support.

Following the three-step procedure, referees can, in the event of serious discriminatory incidents in the stadium: 

1. stop the match (followed by a stadium announcement with the necessary explanation and request for the discriminatory incident to stop);

2. suspend the match by sending the players back to the changing room for an appropriate period of time (followed by a stadium announcement with the necessary explanation and request for the discriminatory incident to stop);

3. abandon the match (followed by a stadium announcement with the necessary explanation and request to leave the stadium in accordance with the instructions of the security personnel).

The detailed description of the steps in the three-step procedure and the operational responsibility of the home association can be found on the FIFA Competitions extranet.

The home association is responsible for ensuring implementation with regards to the involvement of their relevant functional areas and the display of stadium announcement in the relevant languages.

II. Anti-discrimination monitoring system

A. Background

Based on the resolution of the 63rd FIFA Congress on the fight against racism and discrimination and the experiences of FIFA and the Fare network between 2015 and 2023 the anti-discrimination monitoring system became a robust and reliable tool to identify discriminatory incidents following article 4 of the FIFA Statutes and article 15 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. It supports disciplinary procedures through match reports including evidence material of possible discriminatory incidents. The anti-discrimination monitoring system will again be in place for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ preliminary competition (hereinafter “qualifiers”) and selected friendly matches.

B. Methodology

The anti-discrimination monitoring system comprises:

1. assessment of all qualifying matches to identify risk matches in relation to possible discriminatory incidents;

2. deployment of anti-discrimination match observer/s (hereinafter: “observer”) at high risk matches in relation to possible discriminatory incidents;

3. match observation and reporting (including evidence material) to support the secretariat of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee.

B.1 Risk assessment

Identifying risk matches involves all forms of discrimination as mentioned in the FIFA Statutes and the FIFA Disciplinary Code, and includes the following match-specific evaluation criteria:

• previous discriminatory incidents at or after matches involving the participating teams/associations; 4

• known far-right and other xenophobic groups, including their football-related activities and supporter links in the countries of the participating teams/associations;

• tendency to commit acts of homophobia, other forms of LGBTQI+phobia or overt sexist abuse based on traditional chants or previous history;

• the historical context of the participating teams/associations in terms of tension or even violence (including in relation to specific sensitive events or days);

• troublesome relationships between the participating teams’/associations’ countries;

• any religious tension relating to the national identities of the participating teams/associations;

• current geopolitical crises in the countries of the participating teams/associations and in their region that could affect the spectators’ attitude;

• possible crowd dynamics during the match;

• the importance of the match in the context of the competition and the dynamics that could result from it.

Based on the risk assessment, all qualifiers and selected friendlies will be classified as follows:

• GREEN : for matches with a low risk of discriminatory incidents. No observer will be appointed.

• YELLOW : for matches with a medium risk of discriminatory incidents and for which media monitoring and other measures may be necessary. After submitting the risk assessment, FIFA and its service provider Fare network will continue to assess the temporary dynamics of yellow matches until match day and may change a yellow match into a red match. Otherwise, no observer will be appointed.

• RED : for matches with a high probability of discriminatory incidents and for which observers will be appointed.

B.2 Deployment of anti-discrimination match observers

An observer is appointed for each red match by the Fare network, except for those red matches where additional risk factors are in play and require the appointment of two observers. Fare network relies on a pool of trained observers, who are anti-discrimination experts assigned to specific regions and: 

• understand the language including idiosyncrasies of the country/team they are appointed to observe;

• know the symbols and codes used in the country/local environment/fan culture;

• know the fan culture of the country/team/local environment;

• have an understanding of any wider social and (geo-)political issues at play

• have an understanding of the specific context of the words, expressions and chants used in the football context of the given country; 

• are aware of article 4 of the FIFA Statutes and other relevant FIFA regulations;

• sign a code of conduct to guarantee their neutrality.

Fare network will submit the list of observers to FIFA aligned with the beginning of the regional qualifiers in the respective confederations and provide regular updates to that list. Fare network will store the confirmation that each observer has signed their code of conduct and completed the observer training.

Observers will work anonymously at matches to protect their identity for reasons of personal safety. Each observer is given a number by Fare network which will appear on the antidiscrimination match reports to identify him/her at a particular match. Their identity will only be shared with FIFA’s judicial bodies and/or CAS if required and if significant to the case. The identity of observers will not be disclosed to respondents or other parties to hearings (member associations etc.) and their representatives.

B.3 Delivery of match observation and reporting

The observer/s conduct/s pre-match research identifying potential pre-planned discriminatory displays by both teams’ followers. At the match itself, each observer shall observe and record evidence of any discriminatory incidents in the stadium or its immediate vicinity.

If discriminatory incidents are witnessed by an observer, he/she shall submit a special match report – written in English – to the Fare network after the match. This anti-discrimination match report shall describe the discriminatory incident(s) witnessed, specifying:

• where in the stadium (or in its immediate vicinity) the incident(s) took place;

• the exact time the incident(s) took place;

• which team the spectator/s causing the incident(s) was/were supporting;

• approximately how many spectators were involved.

The Fare network shall ensure that the anti-discrimination match report meets the following requirements:

• The report is submitted in English using the standard reporting form, and the observer has answered all questions on the form.

• If the incident contains any wording, this wording should be quoted in the original language used by the spectators as well as translated into English.

• The report documents the facts accurately and consistently, giving as full a picture as possible of the incidents.

• All reported incidents are supported by documentary evidence (such as photographs, videos or audio recordings). 

• The report includes the observer’s number and the date of submission.

The Fare network shall correct any grammatical and formal errors.

Anti-discrimination match reports are not regarded as FIFA match officials’ reports within the meaning of art. 40 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

C. Disciplinary procedure

Immediately after reviewing the anti-discrimination match report, the secretariat of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee may request the FIFA Human Rights & Anti-Discrimination Department to provide an additional internal memo to provide background and additional information on a reported incident if it is deemed relevant.

Thereafter, the chair of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee will be responsible for deciding whether or not to open proceedings on the basis of the anti-discrimination match report, the FIFA Match Commissioner’s report, other evidence provided by third parties.

III. Recommendations to support preventive measures of the participating member associations

FIFA relies on the support of all participating member associations and their teams to ensure a discrimination-free environment during the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. For preventive preparation, see the FIFA Good Practice Guide on Diversity and Anti-Discrimination (circular no. 1632) for detailed guidance on your diversity and anti-discrimination work and examples of actions and initiatives:

• English

• French

• Spanish

We would like to thank you in advance for your support in the fight against discrimination during the qualifying matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ and in football around the world. 

Yours faithfully,

FÉDÉRATION INTERNATIONALE

DE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

Fatma Samoura

Secretary General

WADA Compliance Review Committee discusses key issues of compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code

On 24-25 August, the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA’s) independent Compliance Review Committee (CRC) met in a hybrid fashion, for its second regular meeting this year, to discuss a range of important issues related to WADA’s World Anti-Doping Code (Code) Compliance Monitoring Program. 

The CRC Chair, Mr. Henry Gourdji, who was accompanied by WADA Management in Montreal, lead discussions on the following matters: 

• New cases of Signatory non-compliance with the Code and International Standards, involving both legislation and Code Compliance Questionnaire (CCQ) cases; which, will be presented to WADA’s Executive Committee (ExCo) when they meet on 22 September 2023 (if the non-conformities discussed are not resolved by then); 

• The latest update on the reinstatement conditions imposed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in its award related to the case between WADA and the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA); 

• An update on current non-compliant Signatories, including the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and Gabon National Anti-Doping Organizations (NADOs) and the International Federation of Fitness and Bodybuilding (IFBB); 

• An update on the operations of Ukraine’s NADO and testing of Ukraine athletes. The Ukraine NADO has a suspended compliance case due to force majeure in relation to the ongoing Russian Federation invasion of Ukraine; 

• The latest on the amendments to the International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories (ISCCS) following stakeholder consultation; 

• An update on the development and implementation of WADA’s Compliance Monitoring Program, including an update on anti-doping rules and legislation review, the CCQ and WADA’s Signatory audit program; 

• WADA’s progress on its Compliance Annual Plan for 2023 and risk management program.  

The CRC also held two virtual in-camera sessions on 22 and 23 August to prepare, review and discuss documentation received for the meeting.   

The CRC is responsible for providing independent advice, guidance and recommendations to WADA’s management and governing bodies on matters relating to Signatories' compliance with the Code.  

The CRC Chair will report to WADA’s ExCo meeting on 22 September. 

EFL Statement: Cambridge United Football Club

Cambridge United FC has received a total fine of £12,000, of which £1,000 is suspended, after admitting multiple breaches of EFL Regulations for the naming of an ineligible player on a Team Sheet and the submission of a backdated document.

The League has also issued a written warning to a Club employee who was also deemed to be in breach of EFL Regulations.

The suspended fine will be activated if the Club fails to register a player in accordance with the Regulations who features on a Team Sheet in any competition organised by the League before 30 June 2024.

The sanction was imposed in accordance with the terms of an ‘Agreed Decision’ which has formally been ratified by an Independent Disciplinary Commission Chair as per the requirements of EFL Regulations.

Cambridge United FC will also pay the associated costs of ratification of the Agreed Decision and the costs of the League (to be assessed if not agreed).

The Agreed Decision can be found here.

Circular no. 1855 - Lifting of the suspension of the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL)

TO THE MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS OF FIFA

Circular no. 1855

Zurich, 28 August 2023

Lifting of the suspension of the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL)

Dear Sir or Madam,

We would like to inform you that, based on the decision taken by the Bureau of the FIFA Council on 27 August 2023, the suspension of the FFSL has been lifted with immediate effect.

In view of the above, all of the FFSL’s membership rights as defined in article 13 of the FIFA Statutes have been reinstated with immediate effect. Consequently, the FFSL’s representative and club teams are again entitled to take part in international competitions. This also means that FFSL members and officials may benefit from development programmes, courses and training provided by FIFA and/or the AFC. Moreover, FIFA member associations may again enter into sporting contact with the FFSL and/or its teams.

Thank you for taking note of the above.

Yours faithfully,

FIFA

Fatma Samoura

Secretary General

The International Testing Agency and Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Organisation join forces to strengthen clean sport

The ITA’s partnership with Caribbean RADO focuses on harmonising testing efforts to ensure an effective allocation of resources and intelligence-led programs at both national and international levels. The collaboration also supports the exchange of information between the ITA and the Caribbean RADO to the benefit of potential investigations and intelligence-led doping controls in the countries and for the athletes it represents. Finally, the collaboration also extends to identifying mutual efficiencies and opportunities for capacity building in the area of anti-doping education.

The Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Organization is based in Barbados and acts as the secretariat to coordinate anti-doping efforts in the countries of Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Montserrat, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, The Virgin Islands (US), Trinidad and Tobago and Turks and Caicos Islands. It was established in 2005, one year after the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) created the RADO program to strengthen the protection of athletes in regions where countries organise their anti-doping efforts within regional conglomerates and is one of three RADOs in the Americas. It is the third RADO to enter a partnership with the ITA after the Central Asian and Panamerican RADOs.

“We are very pleased to officialise our collaboration with the Caribbean RADO and strengthen our network of partnerships in the Americas,” said ITA Director General Benjamin Cohen. “Through our joint agreement we can work hand in hand to enhance anti-doping efforts for international-level athletes from the countries the Caribbean RADO represents and those who are tested within their territory. Seamless information-sharing between our two organisations will furthermore ensure that investigations into any potential doping offences can be conducted across borders and regions. I welcome the Caribbean RADO to our network of partnerships with national and regional anti-doping organisations and look forward to working with them for our joint cause of fair play and clean sport.”

“The Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Organization is committed to fostering a clean-sport environment, ensuring that our member countries are compliant with the World Anti-Doping Code, while protecting the rights of athletes,” said Patrick Werleman, Chairman of the Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Organization. “As such, we focus on establishing key partnerships with regional and international organizations. We are enthusiastic about the new collaboration agreement between the Caribbean RADO and the International Testing Agency (ITA). We have worked well with the ITA on numerous occasions; and this MOU further highlights our continued commitment to the delivery of high-quality anti-doping services. The Caribbean RADO coordinates most of the sample collection in our member countries on behalf of local, regional, and international sporting bodies. This collaboration with the ITA is especially valuable in the areas of testing, information sharing and intelligence. We are looking forward to working closer and more effectively with the ITA to the benefit of our member countries and the Caribbean region as a whole.”

The ITA has already established bilateral collaboration agreements with over 30 National and Regional Anti-Doping Organisations on all continents of the world. The ITA strongly believes that the anti-doping community is able to bring the support of athletes to the next level by working hand-in-hand with all other anti-doping organisations. Consequently, the ITA will continue to welcome to its network any National and Regional Anti-Doping Organisation that wishes to strengthen synergies between national and international level anti-doping programs.

Independent disciplinary update: George Moala (Tonga)

Tonga centre George Moala’s appeal against the decision of a Judicial Committee to suspend him for five matches arising from an act of foul play contrary to Law 9.18 (lifting tackle) in Tonga’s Rugby World Cup warm-up match against Canada on 10 August, 2023, was heard remotely on 24 August, 2023.

The independent Appeal Committee was chaired by Christopher Quinlan KC (independent Judicial Panel Chairman), Brenda Heather-Latu (Samoa) and Judge Mike Mika (New Zealand).

The Appeal Committee dismissed the player’s appeal against the entry point of the offending. Having considered the evidence before it, the Appeal Committee found that the Judicial Committee which heard the case at first instance was entitled to find that the tackle warranted a mid-range entry point and accordingly upheld the decision of the Disciplinary Committee.

As Moala has been selected in the Tonga Rugby World Cup 2023 squad the suspension remains as imposed by the Judicial Committee and therefore the player will miss the following matches:

• Tonga v Canada – 15 August, 2023
• Clermont Auvergne v Perpignan – 26 August, 2023
• Ireland v Tonga – 16 September, 2023
• Scotland v Tonga – 24 September, 2023
• South Africa v Tonga – 1 October, 2023

The full written decision will appear here once available.

Public Statement on Assessment of Out-of-Time Appeal by Allan “Rejin” Petersen

Introduction

The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) remains resolute in its mission to maintain fairness, integrity, and transparency within the esports industry. In alignment with our commitment, we have meticulously reviewed an out-of-time appeal submitted by Allan “Rejin” Petersen in May 2023, concerning a sanction originally imposed in 2020. The substance of the appeal was related to the post-facto Valve RMR sanction imposed by Valve independently and in response to ESIC’s original sanction. Importantly, the result of ESIC’s review does not modify the ESIC-imposed sanction but significantly affects the post-facto Valve RMR sanction.

Overview of the Appeal

Mr. Petersen was initially assigned 8 demerit points as a result of ESIC’s investigation into his involvement and incorrect response to the CSGO coach bug. This decision was reached after a comprehensive investigation, and the demerit points assigned to Mr. Petersen were subsequently and independently recognized by Valve and translated into a secondary Valve RMR sanction banning Mr. Petersen from Valve Majors for life.

While the original sanction by ESIC remains unaltered our adherence to the principles of natural justice and equitable treatment prompted the acceptance of the appeal, even though it was submitted almost three years after the initial sanction was imposed. The ESIC Independent Appeal Panel and the ESIC Commissioner have conducted an exhaustive review of the case, considering new evidence presented by Mr. Petersen.

Mr. Petersen has successfully substantiated that the extent of the bug exploitation was not as initially calculated. Acknowledging this new evidence and in pursuit of equity and fairness, the demerit points assigned to Mr. Petersen have been recalculated and reduced from 8 to 5.

Implications of Appeal Result

It is important to note that this recalibration does not modify the ESIC-imposed sanction (meaning ESIC in this statement is not modifying its initial sanction) but significantly affects the post-facto Valve RMR sanction. The revised demerit points alleviate the lifetime ban from Valve Majors, imposing a restriction from 5 Majors instead. Following this period, Mr. Petersen will regain eligibility to coach in subsequent Majors.

Importantly, ESIC has communicated the result of the appeal to Valve and has received notice that the result of the appeal has been accepted by Valve.

Acknowledgements

ESIC extends its appreciation to Valve for facilitating open and collaborative communications on this matter and for reviewing and accepting the appeal.

ESIC also acknowledges Mr. Petersen for his cooperation and transparency throughout the investigation process. His prompt admission and invaluable contribution, notably being one of the first coaches to disclose the existence of the bug, were instrumental in facilitating our inquiry.

ESIC is unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding the core values of the esports industry and will continue to implement rigorous measures to ensure fairness and integrity. Our resolve to uphold the highest standards of integrity within the esports industry remains steadfast.

EFL Statement: Mr Yongge Dai

Reading FC’s owner, Mr Yongge Dai, has been charged with misconduct after failing to comply with the order of an independent Disciplinary Commission which required him to deposit an amount equal to 125% of the Club’s forecast monthly wage bill in a designated account by 12 September.

The League considers these further proceedings against him personally are necessary given the repeated failings in meeting the Club’s funding requirements which have only a detrimental impact on the Club and its wider stakeholders.

This matter will now be considered by an independent Disciplinary Commission in accordance with EFL Regulations. 

Sanction - Triathlon

On September 15, 2023 the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Lausanne, Switzerland) set aside the decision rendered by the World Triathlon on September 12, 2022 which made the athlete Riasova Valentina ineligible for a period of 6 months for the violation under art. 2.1 and art. 2.2 of the World Triathlon Anti-Doping Rules.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld the appeal of RUSADA and rendered the decision which made the Athlete ineligible for a period of 2 years, namely between September 15, 2023 and March 14, 2025, with credit for the served period of ineligibility, namely between September 12, 2022 and March 11, 2023.

FIFA publishes Football Tribunal Report 2022/2023

FIFA has today published the second edition of the Football Tribunal Report, which covers the period from 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023.

The report provides a comprehensive overview of the Football Tribunal’s activities as well as those of the FIFA Players’ Status Department, which is part of the FIFA Legal & Compliance Division and acts as a secretariat to the Football Tribunal. During the period in question, the department received a record number of 18,353 cases, applications and enquiries, compared to 14,540 in the 2021/2022 period, with 2022/2023 representing a new all-time high for the Players’ Status Department.

The Football Tribunal, which is composed of three chambers: the Players’ Status Chamber, the Dispute Resolution Chamber and the Agents Chamber, was implemented on 1 October 2021 to consolidate the existing FIFA decision-making bodies into a single umbrella body.

As Emilio Garcia Silvero, FIFA Chief Legal and Compliance officer has iterated: “FIFA will continue to modernise its regulatory framework and dispute resolution system in line with its vision for 2020-2023 in order to further facilitate and streamline all proceedings before the decision making and judicial bodies, while maintaining the highest level of quality, transparency and traceability for all football stakeholders.”

In this context, since 1 May 2023, all proceedings before the Football Tribunal outside the FIFA Transfer Matching system are exclusively initiated and conducted through the FIFA Legal Portal which was launched a year earlier. The portal is a modern online platform that enables football stakeholders and legal representatives to lodge a claim and follow the relevant proceedings before the Football Tribunal in a fully digital, user-friendly environment.

The Football Tribunal Report 2022/2023 is available here and at www.fifa.com/legal.

Official Statement | RFEF Commitment

The RFEF wishes to convey to the members of the National Team the public commitment made by the new leadership of the institution that governs football in Spain.

The objective is to clearly articulate, without internal or external interpretations, the strategic pillars in this new stage of the Federation that both football and society demand.

The Federation itself is aware of the need for structural changes, as already announced by the President of the Interim Commission, Pedro Rocha, and has begun to materialize them in recent times.

This conviction has led to difficult decisions in recent days that will continue to be made, as there is a firm belief that renewal is necessary.

In this regard, it is absolutely essential, to carry out these changes, to clarify each of the behaviors and actions that may have occurred and, therefore, act with professionalism and justice, determining the relevant responsibilities in each case.

It is evident that the Federation, society, and the players themselves are aligned with the same objective: the renewal and the beginning of a new phase where football is the main beneficiary of this entire process.

Hence, players are urged to join this change led by the Federation, understanding that the ongoing transformations must be robust and fair.

We guarantee a safe environment for the players and advocate for a climate of mutual trust so that we can work together and ensure that women's football continues to progress much stronger.

We must begin to proudly display the star that the players have achieved with so much effort.

AFC forges new exclusive commercial partnership with Asia Football Group

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is pleased to announce the Asia Football Group (AFG) as its new exclusive commercial partner for the 2023-2028 term with immediate effect in a strategic decision to further solidify and enhance the Confederation’s financial sustainability. 

The Dubai-registered AFG have been selected as the dedicated partner for the AFC to achieve its ambitions and drive the sport's growing commercial success across the world, with the partnership enabling the Confederation to secure its financial future and set the stage for the continued growth and development of football in Asia.

The new commercial arrangement with AFG has been put in place after the evaluation and consideration of proposals from potential partners, with the AFC Executive Committee concluding that AFG’s expertise and vision not only align with the AFC’s wider objectives, but also ensure the continuity of service during this period to the AFC, its commercial partners and football stakeholders.

AFG are an integrated sports marketing agency highly experienced in delivering the full spectrum of services and achieving various business outputs, reinforcing the assurance of a smooth transition from the AFC’s previous commercial partners.

The new commercial deal enables the AFC to continue its investment into its Member Associations and Regional Associations, deliver all its popular competitions, grow its fanbase, and cultivate a flourishing football community across the Continent.

The AFC looks forward to a fruitful collaboration with AFG in the confidence that the partnership will take the game to new heights, continuing the Asian football success story.

Joint Statement: A National Inquiry into Abuse in Sport must be Top Priority for the Government of Canada to Protect Canadian Children and Athletes

For over 18 months, Canadian athletes, advocates, scholars, and allies have been calling for the Government of Canada to initiate a national inquiry into the toxic culture of abuse that, as we have sadly come to learn, exists across all levels of Canadian sport.

It was the thousands of athlete voices that began this call but as evidence has mounted during the months of hearings before the Canadian Heritage Committee and the Standing Committee on the Status of Women, the call for an inquiry has been joined by the Canadian Olympic Committee, Own the Podium, the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport, the Canadian Human Rights Commission, Canadian Women and Sport, the Coaching Association of Canada, Scholars Against Abuse in Canadian Sport, and high profile USA advocates Judge Rosemarie Aquilina and Rachael Denhollander.

With Parliament resuming this month and the appointment of a new Sports Minister in the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, we reinforce that a national inquiry must be a priority to protect Canadian children and athletes. The calls for this inquiry will not diminish. The need will only continue to grow and without a robust solution, the problems will continue to fester.

We cannot waste any more time. We must act to end child abuse and human rights violations occurring in Canadian sport. A national inquiry must happen without further delay. 

Click here or see below to watch the video for those advocating for an inquiry.

FIS Release Cross-Country Code of Conduct

The FIS Code of Conduct of Skiers and Snowboarders has become international adopted for the safety of skier and snowboarders on the pistes. However not all rules can be applied to all FIS disciplines. As such, FIS has now released a Cross-Country specific Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct is as follows:

1. Respect for others:

Cross-country skiers must ski in such a manner that they do not endanger or prejudice others.

2. Respects for signs:

Trail marking signs must be adhered to at all times.

3. Choice of tracks:

On cross-country trails with multiple tracks, skiers must stick to the right hand track unless overtaking. It is also imperative that skating skiers remain on the skating tracks and do not cross into the classic tracks.

4. Overtaking:

A skier ahead is not obliged to give way to an overtaking skier. However, when possible the slower skier should allow faster skiers to overtake. When being overtaken, the slower skier should move to the right.

5. Encounter:

Cross-country skiers meeting while skiing in opposite directions shall keep to the right. Climbing skiers should give way to descending skiers.

6. Poles:

Cross-country skiers shall make the utmost effort to keep their poles close to the body whenever near other skiers.

7. Control of Speed:

Cross-country skiers, especially when descending, must always ski at a speed in which they can stop safely. All skiers should also keep a safe distance from the skiers ahead.

8. Keep the trail clear:

Skiers who stops must leave the track. In case of a fall, skiers should leave the track as quickly as possible.

9. Accidents:

In case of an accident, all persons should provide assistance.

10. Identification:

All witnesses to an accident, whether responsible or not, must remain at the scene of the accident and provide their identification.

In addition to undergoing a formal approval process, FIS has taken the step to translate the Cross-County Code of Conduct into 11 languages. These include German, French, Italian, Polish, Finnish, Norwegian amongst many others. The Cross-Country Code of Conduct is open to all. The English text can be downloaded here and translations can be requested via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

UEFA and ECA sign landmark agreement to bolster European football's future

UEFA and the European Club Association (ECA) have today signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that extends their cooperation until 2030. Building on a relationship which now spans over fifteen years, the new MoU will elevate their partnership to bolster long-term stability and sustainable growth in European club football.

At the heart of this agreement lies a full commitment to strengthen the core principles of the European football pyramid championed by fans across Europe. This includes the central role of UEFA as the European governing body and the open system of promotion and relegation that ultimately culminates in qualification for an open model of European competitions.

The revamped agreement aligns the cooperative efforts of both organisations with the evolving landscape of the men's and women’s international match calendar and the forthcoming structural changes to men's UEFA club competitions, effective from the 2024/25 season that will bring more opportunities for more clubs, but also for players and supporters alike, while keeping the pyramid open and democratic.

A central element of this agreement is the shared priority to nurture European club football at every level. This will manifest through a new revenue distribution model for the 2024-2027 cycle, boasting an unprecedented increase of solidarity payments that will benefit clubs in domestic league competitions.

The share reserved in the new cycle to clubs not participating in the league phase of UEFA competitions will increase to a total of 10%: besides the 3% reserved for clubs eliminated in the qualifying rounds, the share for clubs which have not participated at all will grow to 7%, (up from the current 4%), securing €440m per season – being €1.32bn over the cycle – in what is the sole redistribution scheme for clubs at a pan-European level. The new distribution system for participating clubs will give greater focus to participation (from 25% to 27,5% will be shared equally) and performance (from 30% to 37,5%), while the existing two pillars of market pool and coefficient will be merged and reduced (from 45% to 35%). Full details of the new system will be disclosed as soon as the technical work has concluded.

The MoU also captures the evolution of UEFA Club Competitions SA – the joint venture between UEFA and the ECA – to further drive the commercial development of UEFA’s club competitions.

The new agreement also mirrors the remarkable strides taken in the development of women’s football. UEFA and the ECA are united in their drive to enhance competitions, fostering the growth of the next generation of talented female players, and establishing the bedrock for a resilient and sustainable women's football ecosystem and business model.

Finally, the renewed MoU continues to prioritise critical issues such as environmental, social and corporate governance as well as financial sustainability to secure the overall well-being of European football.

UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin said: "This new MoU builds upon the solid foundation of cooperation between UEFA and the ECA to enhance the open and values-based European football pyramid celebrated by fans worldwide. It will bring continuity, stability and healthy growth that will benefit every corner of Europe. I would like to thank the ECA Executive Board and its Chairman Nasser Al-Khelaïfi for their efforts in making this renewed agreement become a reality. Our cooperation will strengthen European football, and we look forward to it resulting in the further development and success of the game."

ECA Chairman Nasser Al-Khelaïfi said: “This renewed Memorandum of Understanding between ECA and UEFA until 2030 is fantastic news for all European clubs, and for everyone concerned with the stability and prosperity of European club football. The MoU formalises agreements between UEFA and ECA on a wide range of governance, representation, regulatory, financial and sporting matters and establishes solid foundations for the continued development of European club football.

“As the ECA family continues to rapidly multiply in size, representing clubs of all sizes in all corners of Europe, we very much look forward to our continued constructive, collaborative and trusted relationship with UEFA, ECA’s most important partner.”

This latest MoU reaffirms UEFA's steadfast commitment to democratic governance, building upon its earlier decision to incorporate the perspectives of players (via FIFPRO Europe) and fans (via Football Supporters Europe) alongside those of leagues and clubs in its decision-making process. This approach is aimed at nurturing an even more inclusive, resilient, and transparent governance framework for European football.

Millwall's Head Of Youth Recruitment, Barry Dunn, Suspended For Eight Weeks

Millwall's head of youth recruitment, Barry Dunn, has been suspended from all football and football related activity for eight weeks with immediate effect, fined £525, ordered to attend a mandatory face-to-face education programme and has received a reprimand and warning as to his future conduct, for a breach of misconduct in relation to social media activity. 

It was alleged that he interacted with a social media post that is insulting and/or indecent and/or improper contrary to FA Rule E3.1. 

It was further alleged this activity constitutes an 'aggravated breach', which is defined in FA Rule E3.2, as the post included a reference - whether express or implied - to religion or belief.

Barry Dunn admitted the charge and his sanctions were subsequently imposed by an independent Regulatory Commission following a personal hearing.

Approval of IWF Strategic Plan and further improvement of governance reform among key decisions expected in Riyadh

The IWF is set to take a number of key decisions during the upcoming Congress and Executive Board meeting in Riyadh as it pushes ahead with reforming the organisation and establishing a clear plan for a stronger future.

The meetings will take place on the occasion of the IWF World Championships, which will feature around 700 athletes from 120 nations, including all 20 current world champions, as athletes compete for Paris 2024 Olympic qualification.

During the IWF Congress on September 12, National Federations will vote to approve the IWF Strategic Plan 2024-2032 which was developed following the broadest-ever consultation in the sport’s history. The plan provides a roadmap for weightlifting’s global development as the IWF looks to shape a new future as a clean, athlete-centred, and well-governed modern sport.

The Congress will also vote on proposed amendments to the IWF Constitution to provide better understanding and clarity, ensuring the document serves its purpose as an effective tool of governance.

Ahead of the Congress, the IWF Executive Board will approve the implementation process of the Athlete Gender Identity Policy which has been in force since August 1 and aims to promote inclusion while also respecting the integrity of competitions. The EB will also approve the Terms of Reference for the IWF Safety and Integrity Officer which was recently created by the IWF to enhance athlete safeguarding.

Speaking ahead of the key meetings, IWF President Mohammed Jalood said:

“Riyadh will be a momentous occasion for the IWF both on and off the field of play. Over 14 days of elite competition we will celebrate the world’s very best athletes as they compete for world titles and all-important Paris 2024 qualification. And away from the competition our Congress and Executive Board will take important decisions to safeguard our athletes and deliver the strongest possible future for our sport.

“The collaborative Strategic Plan 2024-2032 is critical in providing a clear framework for weightlifting and ensuring clean athletes and good governance are at the heart of our work. The implementation plan of the Athlete Gender Identity Policy and terms of IWF Safety and Integrity Officer also demonstrates our commitment to our athletes and ensuring they have an inclusive, safe, and fair environment to compete in.”

Brazil’s National Basketball League extends official data & integrity partnership with Genius Sports

Brazil’s National Basketball League (“LNB”) and Genius Sports have struck a long-term extension of their exclusive official data and integrity partnership ahead of the new season, starting on October 21.

As the trusted partner to over 200 basketball leagues and federations globally, Genius Sports will provide FIBA LiveStats across all LNB competitions, capturing and distributing official, play-by-play statistics to power in-stadia scoreboards, league and team social media channels and other fan-facing digital platforms. This official live game data feed is integral to all LNB live broadcasts and is also distributed to sportsbooks worldwide to power real-time betting markets. 

“This key strategic business partnership between Genius Sports and the National Basketball League (LNB) helps us achieve a range of commercial goals. Both companies have an innovative DNA and Genius Sports' technological solutions enable the LNB’s live game data to be used by our technical teams and enjoyed by our fans with speed and accuracy. Likewise, Genius guarantees the secure distribution of information to those who like to have fun betting on basketball games”, says Rodrigo Franco Montoro, president of the National Basketball League.

Crucially, Genius Sports will also continue to safeguard the LNB from the threats of match-fixing and betting-related corruption. Since 2016, Genius Sports has provided LNB with educational services and its 24/7 bet monitoring system which analyses global betting odds movements on Brazilian basketball and provides specialist technology to detect suspicious betting activity. In March 2023, LNB became the first league to join the Associação Brasileira de Defesa da Integridade do Esporte’s (“ABRADIE”), the primary Brazilian integrity coalition founded by Genius Sports alongside Entain, Rei do Pitaco, and Bichara e Motta Advogados

“As one of the largest basketball leagues in Latin America, we’re delighted to extend our partnership with LNB,” said Guilherme Buso, Senior Account Executive at Genius Sports. “Whilst continuing to help the LNB fight betting-related corruption head on, our technology will equip all LNB competitions with fast, accurate and official data to power their interactions with fans, broadcasters and sportsbooks on a global scale.”

Trail Running Furthers Anti-Doping Progress with USADA and Golden Trail National Series Partnership

Inspired by the calls of trail running athletes, the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) is pleased to announce a partnership with Salomon North America and the Golden Trail Series to conduct pre-race anti-doping education and in-competition testing at the Pikes Peak Ascent and Mammoth Trail Fest this September. The partnership is an important first step in implementing robust anti-doping protocols and practices to provide trail runners with access to a level playing field.

“Trail running athletes have been calling for robust anti-doping protocols in their sport for years and we are honored to stand with them in the effort,” said USADA CEO Travis T. Tygart. “This partnership with the Golden Trail National Series is a great step in the right direction and we hope to see more progress in the future with additional education, increased in-competition testing, and the potential addition of out-of-competition testing.”

Under the current agreement, USADA will deliver a pre-race education webinar for all athletes competing in the Mammoth Trail Fest in Mammoth Lakes, California and the Pikes Peak Ascent, where athletes will attempt to summit Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs at a grueling vertical climb of 7,800 feet. Additionally, athletes competing in these events will be subject to urine testing during the in-competition period. All testing will be conducted in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) International Standard for Testing and Investigations.

“At Mammoth Trail Fest, we believe in with respect to the environment, competitive sport, and our community, there is no place for shortcuts or compromised ethics,” shares Mammoth Trail Fest race director, Tim Tollefson. “We remain committed to clean sport through advocacy and education. We are delighted that we now offer legitimate gold standard race-day testing at both races through USADA.”

“The Golden Trail Series brings an elevated level of competition to the Pikes Peak Ascent, and with this level of competition, we want to advocate for clean sport and enhance the future of trail running,” says Ryan Linder, Pikes Peak Marathon race director. “Overall, the Pikes Peak Marathon is thrilled to collaborate with Salomon and Mammoth Trail Fest to make this partnership with USADA possible.”

Results management will be conducted by USADA and handled according to the WADA International Standard for Results Management. As always when USADA is the results management authority, any sanctions will be published on the USADA website after conclusion of the results management process. Race organizers will withhold prize money until the results are processed.

ECA Ukraine Relief Fund Has Delivered On Its Last Round Of Projects

After 15 months making a difference to the lives of refugees across Europe, ECA’s €1million Ukraine Relief Fund has delivered on its last round of projects. The ground-breaking fund was announced at the General Assembly in March 2022, by ECA Chairman Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, who said the seven-figure sum would be available to support clubs’ efforts in assisting the Ukrainian refugees, while many also offered to find a safe place for Ukrainian young football players.

ECA Chairman told clubs gathered in Vienna that football could be a positive social force to help the Ukrainian people.

Since then, 30 projects have benefited from the fund, which has been managed through an ECA Relief Committee chaired by ECA Vice-Chairman Dariusz Mioduski.

The third and final round of projects were:

• FC Shakhtar Donetsk
• FC Vast (Football Club Mykolaiv)
• FSC Mariupol
• MFC Metalurg
• Skoruk FC

Together this means a total of 24 clubs have been part of the innovative scheme, with clubs initially applying for donations of between €25,000 and €50,000. The aim has been to provide real and effective humanitarian and emergency actions to provide support and opportunities for the integration and development of refugees affected by the war.

ECA partnered with the UEFA Foundation for Children in order to implement this humanitarian project, in advance of establishing a dedicated ECA Foundation which is part of the Association’s future plans.

During the initial two rounds of the project, the ECA Ukraine Relief Fund demonstrated its dedication to creating tangible positive change in the lives of Ukrainian refugees. Through the support of the participating member clubs, a diverse range of projects were delivered, including in the four main areas highlighted below:

• Emergency Humanitarian Assistance: The fund facilitated the distribution of essential supplies, such as food, clean water, clothing, and medical aid, to affected communities. These efforts significantly contributed to easing immediate difficulties.
• Education and Skill Development: Recognising the significance of education in times of crisis, the fund supported initiatives that provided access to quality education and training for refugee children. These educational programmes aimed to empower individuals with knowledge and skills for a brighter future.
• Shelter and Infrastructure: The fund played an active role in the construction and renovation of shelters to provide safe living environments for displaced families.
• Psychosocial Support: Addressing the emotional and psychological impact of displacement, the fund supported therapy services, fostering emotional well-being among those affected.

Commenting on the allocation of the remaining funds to the clubs, Dariusz Mioduski, ECA Vice-Chairman and Chairman of the ECA Relief Committee, said:

“At ECA we are all engaged in assisting clubs and allowing them to continue their excellent work in supporting Ukrainian children and families displaced by this tragic war, started by the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The allocation of the remaining funds to the last five projects is the right moment for me to thank once again all the clubs and individuals involved for their dedication and hard work. In total thirty projects have benefitted from the ECA Ukraine Relief Fund and their work will continue.

“I would also like to thank my colleagues on the ECA Relief Committee for their time and support in delivering this important work. Thanks to their efforts we have been able to contribute and make a difference to those families and individuals whose lives have been so tragically affected by this conflict, which unfortunately is ongoing.”

The list of all the approved projects, including the ones from the third round, are:

• AC Sparta Praha
• AS Trencin
• Athletic Club
• Celtic FC
• FC Chikhura Sachkhere
• FC Shakhtar Donetsk
• FC Slovan Liberec
• FC Vast (Football Club Mykolaiv)
• FC Veres Rivne
• FC Zimbru
• FSC Mariupol
• GNK Dinamo Zagreb
• Heart of Midlothian FC
• Legia Warszawa
• Maccabi Haifa F.C
• MFC Metalurg
• Nõmme Kalju FC
• SJK Seinäjoki
• SK Slavia Praha
• SK Slovan Bratislava
• Skoruk FC
• Sporting Clube de Portugal
• Trabzonspor AS
• Wisla Kraków

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee provisionally suspends Luis Rubiales, president of the RFEF

The chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, Jorge Ivan Palacio (Colombia), in use of the powers granted by article 51 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC), has decided today to provisionally suspend Mr. Luis Rubiales from all football-related activities at national and international level. This suspension, which will be effective as of today, is for an initial period of 90 days, pending the disciplinary proceedings opened against Mr. Luis Rubiales on Thursday, August 24.

Likewise, the chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee and in order to preserve, among other factors, the fundamental rights of the national soccer team player Ms. Jennifer Hermoso and the good order of the disciplinary proceedings before this disciplinary body, has issued two additional directives (article 7 FDC) by which he orders Mr. Luis Rubiales to refrain, through himself or third parties, from contacting or attempting to contact the professional player of the Spanish national football team Ms. Jennifer Hermoso or her close environment. Likewise, the RFEF and its officials or employees, directly or through third parties, are ordered to refrain from contacting the professional player of the Spanish national team Ms. Jennifer Hermoso and her close environment.

The decision adopted by the chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has been communicated today to Mr. Luis Rubiales, the RFEF and UEFA for due compliance.

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee will not provide any further information on these disciplinary proceedings until a final decision has been taken.

FIFA reiterates its absolute commitment to respect the integrity of all persons and therefore condemns with the utmost vigour any behaviour to the contrary.

One year of the EFL’s EDI strategy ‘Together’

A year on from the EFL’s launch of the ‘Together’ strategy, the EFL's Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, David McCardle, has provided an update on the strategy and the impact it is having across the EFL and its Clubs.  

Twelve months ago, the EFL launched its new Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy to aid Clubs in taking steps on their EDI journey. 

This month, we mark the one-year anniversary with the launch of a new short film highlighting the diverse nature of supporters across the League with the key message that we are Together for the love of the game. In addition, we have highlighted the good practice which has been undertaken by EFL Clubs throughout the 2022/23 season in conjunction with the Together Strategy. 

‘Together’ set out a clear five-year vision for the EFL and its Clubs to reflect and represent the communities they serve. 

Following the launch of the EFL Together strategy in August 2022, all 72 Clubs have made a contribution to breaking down barriers and improved their processes and outlooks, leading to sustainable change, which will allow greater diversity. 

Involving 100 hours of consultations with Equality Stakeholders and 100 hours of Club Development meetings, the strategy has seen great success during the 2022/23 season. 

Together comprises five pillars: Support, Educate, Communicate, Embed and Listen – all of which have been covered over the course of last campaign. 

Last term saw the refreshed EFL Equality Code of Practice which was a key deliverable within the Together Strategy and will allow the opportunity for EFL Clubs to have a continued EDI journey. 

Clubs throughout the EFL undertake the Code’s which assesses work, learning, development and commitment to EDI and provides a grade of Bronze, Silver or Gold after review. Throughout season 2022/23 the EFL supported each of its Clubs during the development phase in preparation for every Club being assessed during the 2023/24 season. 

To support the creation of a League-wide diverse workforce, the EFL has also launched I-Recruit which is an anonymised recruitment tool for Clubs.  

Across the EFL there are over 65 diverse fan groups, some of which have been established with support of Fans for Diversity. In addition, Clubs have also been supported in the establishment of a new Discrimination Reporting mechanism. 

The EFL’s Inclusion Team – along with Stakeholders, EFL Clubs and Football Bodies – delivered 48 online webinars for EFL Clubs and EFL Staff to attend during the 2022/23 season. Clubs have completed over 6,500 collective hours of EDI Education, which exceeded the initial target of 1,000 collective hours each season for the next five seasons. 

And in May 2023, a number of conferences to help support Clubs and to share best practice were held. All three conferences hosted over 100 delegates with guest speakers, Club and fan experiences in focus.  

More recently, the EFL Together Advisory Panel has set progress in motion for a new panel which will act as a forum for advice, guiding the work of the EFL by providing advice of the highest possible quality on issues relating to Equality Diversity and Inclusion. 

And the EFL and our Clubs are not finished in this journey. The hard work continues into the new season when all of the aforementioned tools and services will continue to support Clubs to make an impact and drive change.  

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee opens disciplinary proceedings against Luis Rubiales, President of the Spanish FA

AFC Champions League™ paves way for PMAs to realise VAR ambitions

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s continuous efforts to empower its Member Associations (MAs) reached a significant milestone when the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system was introduced to the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 Group Stage matches for the first time earlier this week. 

Implemented from the Knockout Stage since 2020, the 2023/2024 edition will mark the fourth instance of the AFC employing the use of the technology in the competition. 

Spot the signs of concussion and safely manage recovery with British racing’s new learning module

• Concussion learning module available now for free on Racing2Learn
• Recommended for those in British racing working in horse-facing roles
• Offers racing-specific guidance, underpinned by expert medical advice

British racing has today launched a new online concussion awareness learning module to help those working with and around horses spot the signs of concussion and return safely to work following a head injury.

Concussion is an injury to the brain that can occur after falling from a horse or after any impact to the head or body. It is the third most common injury for jockeys, but can happen to anyone in racing – on the racecourse, riding out on the gallops or even in the training yard.

Given the higher-risk nature of our sport, remaining at the forefront of concussion management is a priority for British racing, with education around how to recognise and recover from head injuries central to this approach.

The new learning module is available now on Racing2Learn and builds on existing medical advice and British racing’s robust jockey protocols to provide industry-specific concussion guidance to everyone working in horse-facing roles.

Developed by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and funded by the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF) and the Racing Foundation, the module helps participants:

• Recognise how concussion looks and feels – and how to spot it in others
• Remove a person with suspected concussion to a safe place and seek medical advice
• Recover from concussion, allowing sufficient time for the brain to heal
• Return safely and gradually to riding and horse-facing roles.

The guidance recommends taking time to rest and recover in the first 24-48 hours following a concussion, with minimal activity, reduced screen time, plenty of sleep and seeking medical support via NHS 111 or a GP if symptoms don’t start to settle.

It also advises against riding or any tasks that may result in head impact or injury for a minimum of 21 days following concussion, with the gradual return to activity helping reduce the risk of further injury or longer-term problems.

While aimed primarily at those working directly with horses, such as jockeys, trainers and stable employees, the advice is also applicable to those in support roles, like valets and racecourse teams, who may be well placed to help spot and help manage concussion in others.

Those taking the module will also have access to a suite of downloadable resources, which offer further guidance around symptoms, recovery, and rehabilitation, together with signposting to additional support services.

The guidance has been developed by medical experts and racing professionals in line with the UK Government’s grassroots sport guidelines, If in doubt, sit them out, so that it adheres to best practice health advice, while ensuring it is this relevant to managing concussion within the racing environment.

Jockeys and riders licensed by the BHA (amateurs and professionals) should note that while they are encouraged to complete the module to help improve their own understanding of concussion, their return to race riding following head injury will continue to be managed by the BHA Medical Department in partnership with the IJF.

Dr Jerry Hill, the BHA’s Chief Medical Adviser, said:

“Given the risks associated with our sport, we take concussion very seriously and already have comprehensive protocols in place to ensure the highest standards of care, attention, and rehabilitation for our jockeys.

“But concussion can happen anywhere, at any time, and this new learning module has been developed to enhance the way we support racing’s wider workforce, with industry-specific guidance on spotting the signs of concussion, managing recovery and the safe return to work.

“This is an incredibly useful resource for anyone in British racing working with or around horses, which can help improve understanding of concussion and reduce the risk of serious injury. We are very grateful to the teams at the IJF and the Racing Foundation for making this possible.”

Lisa Hancock, Chief Executive of the Injured Jockeys Fund, said:

“Our experience of supporting jockeys with concussion does highlight that prompt recognition of the signs and active management of the symptoms can really help aid recovery.

“These guidelines are written to help protect the long-term health of any rider, jockey or anyone who works around horses who might have sustained a concussion injury.”

Tansy Challis, Chief Executive Officer of the Racing Foundation, said:

“This new, online learning module demonstrates how proactive the racing industry is at ensuring it remains at the forefront of concussion management and at maintaining its reputation as a leader in the wider sporting context.

“Given the risks associated with the racing environment, it’s crucial that everyone can recognise the signs of concussion as soon as possible and identify the most suitable recovery and rehabilitation pathways.

“We hope that through this accessible and digestible way of learning about concussion, we will be able to reduce the risks both to individuals and those around them. We encourage everyone to complete the module on the free Racing2Learn platform.”

Eight charged under the Emirates Cricket Board Anti-Corruption Code

Equal Pay Day: FIFPRO remains committed to securing equal prize money for players

• 18 September marks International Equal Pay Day, raising awareness about unequal pay to women and pushing to close the gender pay gap
  
  
• FIFPRO, members unions and women’s internationals helped secure equal regulations and conditions, and a fair redistribution of prize money for Women’s World Cup players
  
  
• While the first step on the pathway to equality has been taken, for many players the fight for fair and timely payment has just begun

On UN Equal Pay Day, FIFPRO reaffirms its commitment to fighting alongside women all over the world to ensure there is equal pay for equal work.

The 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup was a breakthrough on the pathway to equality, with the introduction of per-player performance-based prize money and equal conditions.

Ahead of the Women’s World Cup FIFPRO, its member unions, and 150 international footballers from 25 countries stood united in the largest piece of collective action undertaken in women’s football which helped secure equal regulations and conditions, fair redistribution of prize money to players, and a pathway to equal prize money at the tournament.

The collective action achieved:

1) Player prize money allocation

Each individual player at the Women's World Cup was allocated performance-based funding. Every player at Australia/New Zealand earned at least USD 30,000, with players from the winning team each receiving USD 270,000.

2) Equal conditions

The conditions and service levels offered to each team at the 2023 Women’s World Cup were identical to those at the 2022 men’s World Cup in Qatar.

• The delegation size for all PMAs was set at up to 50 people;
• Each delegation had the option of accommodating players in single or twin rooms, or a combination of both, according to their preferences;
• Identical processes to men's World Cup for class of international travel, level of in-competition domestic travel, implementation of team base camp concepts, and standard of accommodation were in place.

3) Increased prize money

In addition to doubling to USD 31m the preparation funding already distributed to all PMAs, an additional total pot of USD 110m was allocated to the Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 that was distributed to teams on the basis of team performance at the tournament.

The path to equal pay

While the first step on the pathway to equality has been taken, for many players the fight for fair, timely payment has just begun.

That is why, on this UN Equal Pay Day, we celebrate the achievements and progress made, but more importantly we focus on what is ahead – pay equity for the men’s and Women’s World Cup in 2026 and 2027, and continuing to raise the floor for players globally.

What the players said

Alex Morgan (USA): “I'll continue to challenge the systemic norms that exist today, so that we do have an equal seat at the table – and part of that is the working conditions for the World Cup. As the women's game grows, as accessibility and visibility grows, and as our fan base grows, we do expect to see the result of that – which is better working conditions, more compensation. That’s a big piece of it, but we need to start somewhere.”

Lucy Bronze (England): “In every single country in the world, there's still something missing or something that could be done a lot better. The fact we've got that collective goal means that together we feel that common goal – and everybody knows that strength comes in numbers. When we inspire each other, the voice becomes louder."

Ali Riley (New Zealand): "I believe that we as women’s players deserve the same conditions as our male counterparts – and we're working hard to prove that. Having equal pay at the World Cup would be one step in the right direction."

The Olympic Council of Asia Openly Threatens and Silences Athletes

With less than a week before the start of the Asian Games in China, the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has publicly threatened athletes with the removal of accreditation should they decide to exercise their fundamental right to freedom of expression.

The OCA’s archaic approach to limiting athletes’ rights to freedom of expression is a clear demonstration that sport systems continue to believe they can operate in silo without adherence to globally accepted human rights. This decision from the OCA appears to favour China’s authoritarian rule of law that rejects freedom of expression over every athlete’s civil liberties.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that “everyone has the right to freedom of expression; this right includes freedom to impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.” The Asian Games is a media of communication to the world, and the organisation’s leadership cannot be a barrier to human rights.

Global Athlete hopes every athlete attending the Asian Games uses the United Nations Human Rights Declaration to guide their decision on when and where to exercise their right to stand up for social and racial injustices that they wish to support. Outdated “sport rules” should never supersede basic human rights.

If athletes want to speak up – in a way that respects the rights and freedoms of others as detailed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – the sport community should embrace their diverse opinions. Silencing athletes should never be tolerated, and to threaten them with removal from the Asian Games highlights the imbalance of power between sport leaders and athletes.

Silencing the athlete voice within sporting organisations has led to oppression, discrimination, and abuse of athletes – restricting their basic human rights has, and will, do the same.

THE COURT OF ARBITRATION FOR SPORT (CAS) HEARING IN THE ARBITRATION PROCEEDINGS INVOLVING RUSADA, THE ISU, WADA AND KAMILA VALIEVA WILL START ON 26 SEPTEMBER 2023

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) confirms the following arrangements for the hearing in the arbitration procedures CAS 2023/A/9451 Association Russian AntiDoping Agency (RUSADA) v. Kamila Valieva, CAS 2023/A/9455 International Skating Union (ISU) v. Kamila Valieva, Association Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA), and CAS 2023/A/9456 World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) v. Association Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) & Kamila Valieva): 

The hearing will take place on 26, 27 and 28 September 2023, with 29 September 2023 being a reserve day. It will be held at the CAS Headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, although the Panel will hear some parties, witnesses and experts via video-conference, including Ms Kamila Valieva and the representatives of RUSADA.

The parties to the proceedings: RUSADA, the ISU, WADA and Ms Valieva (collectively, the parties), want privacy and have not requested that a public hearing be held. Consequently, the hearing will take place behind closed doors in accordance with the provisions of Article 57 of the Code of Sports-related Arbitration (the “CAS Code”), and outside persons will not be authorised to attend. For that reason, on 5 September 2023, the CAS Panel denied a request filed by the 2022 United States Olympic Figure Skating Team for an observer to be permitted to attend the hearing on their behalf.

The Panel of CAS arbitrators constituted to decide the matter is composed of:

President: Mr James Drake KC, Barrister, United Kingdom & Australia

Arbitrators: Mr Jeffrey Mishkin, Attorney-at-Law, USA

Dr Mathieu Maisonneuve, Professor of law, France

The ISU and WADA nominated Mr Jeffrey Mishkin, and Ms Valieva nominated Prof. Mathieu Maisonneuve. RUSADA being involved as Appellant in one procedure and as Respondent in the other two, it decided not to participate in the nomination process. The President of the Panel was appointed by the Deputy President of the Appeals Arbitration Division in accordance with the CAS Code.

The Panel and parties have established a detailed hearing timetable. The proceedings will open on Tuesday, 26 September 2023 with a short opening submission from each party, followed by the hearing of fact witnesses. On Wednesday, 27 September 2023, the Panel will hear expert witnesses and on Thursday, 28 September 2023, the Panel will hear the parties’ closing submissions and rebuttals. Should additional time be required, the Panel and parties have reserved Friday, 29 September 2023.

Following the hearing, the Panel will deliberate and prepare the Arbitral Award containing its decision. At this juncture, it is not possible to indicate when the final decision will be announced. The CAS Panel’s decision will be final and binding, with the exception of the parties’ right to file an appeal to the Swiss Federal Tribunal within 30 days on limited procedural grounds.

The hearing concerns the appeals filed individually by RUSADA, the ISU, and WADA against the decision issued by the RUSADA Disciplinary Anti-Doping Commission (RUSADA DADC) dated 14 December 2022 (the Challenged Decision), in which the Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva (the Athlete) was found to have committed an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) for which she bore “no fault or negligence” and was not sanctioned with the exception of the disqualification of the results achieved on the date of the sample collection (25 December 2021).

RUSADA seeks a ruling from CAS setting aside the Challenged Decision and finding the Athlete to have committed an ADRV under the RUSADA Anti-Doping Rules (RUSADA ADR), and sanctioned with “the appropriate consequences (which may include or be limited to a reprimand) in respect of such ADRV pursuant to the RUSADA ADR”.

The ISU seeks a ruling from CAS sanctioning the Athlete with a four-year period of ineligibility or, subsidiarily, a two-year period of ineligibility, starting from 25 December 2021, as well as the disqualification of all results achieved by the Athlete during this period.

WADA seeks a ruling from CAS setting aside the Challenged Decision and finding the Athlete to have committed an ADRV under art. 4.1 and/or 4.2 of the RUSADA ADR, and sanctioned with a period of ineligibility of four years, as well as the disqualification of all competitive results obtained by the Athlete from and including 25 December 2021. 

Ms Valieva seeks a ruling from CAS that it lacks jurisdiction over WADA, ISU and RUSADA claims, subsidiarily that no violation of the RUSADA ADR is proven and that she be re-established in the results obtained at the 2021 Russian Figure Skating Championship. In the alternative, she seeks a ruling that she bears no fault or negligence or, more subsidiarily, that the violation of the rules was not intentional, so that the period of ineligibility shall be at most two years and that no results shall be disqualified

In accordance with Article R52(5) of the CAS Code, the three appeals were consolidated and a common timetable was established for the filing of the parties’ written submissions. The exchange of written submissions, which was lengthened by extensions of time granted with the mutual agreement of the parties, has concluded.

Player welfare a key focus for UEFA Football Board

The UEFA Football Board met at the House of European Football in Nyon on Monday to engage in constructive discussions on a variety of topics related to women’s football, ranging from strategy and refereeing to the match calendar, competitions and player welfare.

The meeting kicked off with a presentation about UEFA’s women’s football activities and initiatives highlighted by attendance records broken across the continent by clubs and national teams as well as the increased investments made in Europe over the past seasons.

The Board then discussed the post-24 UEFA Women’s Football Strategy where it was recommended to increase initiatives encouraging greater representation in leadership positions within football, new competition opportunities, player protection, improved academy structures as well as increased support for small and medium-sized national associations.

The Board also discussed refereeing matters such as VAR, handball offences, player and coach behaviour and the new UEFA “Be a Referee!” campaign followed by competitions and match calendar matters. The Board conveyed the need for greater consideration of players needs and open dialogue on the match calendar, competition scheduling and calculation of stoppage time, which adds additional burden to an already heavy workload on the players. The Board also expressed their appreciation and satisfaction with the new UEFA women’s national team competition system and provided feedback on the current state and the evolution of the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

The meeting concluded with medical discussions focused on the effects of the menstrual cycle on player performance and recovery, head injury prevention and education as well as on anterior cruciate ligament injury prevention and treatment.

The meeting was attended by Verónica Boquete, Marissa Callaghan, Karen Carney, Jovana Damnjanović, Jonas Eidevall, Magdalena Eriksson, Laura Georges, Gemma Grainger, Ada Hegerberg, Pernille Harder, Josephine Henning, Eugénie Le Sommer, Carolina Morace, Francisco Neto, Alexia Putellas, Lotta Schelin, Viktoria Schnaderbeck, Tessa Wullaert and Leah Williamson.

Nadine Kessler, UEFA Managing Director of Women’s Football, said: “Bringing together some of the greats of our game to discuss the successes, challenges and opportunities facing our sport was a necessary step. We listened to them carefully. And I truly loved the open spirit and constructive debate. Their ideas, without any doubt, will lead to an even better European football landscape. I want to thank them all for their time."

Verónica Boquete said: “This is a group with expertise, they really know our competitions, our problems, our weaknesses and our strengths so it’s great to be able to share in that. We want to help be part of the improvement of the system and the organisation and bring new ideas. I already think UEFA is doing a great job but if I can do something to help that is great.”

Karen Carney said: “Everything is moving really fast but we have to build the sport on a solid foundation. Today has been getting people together to understand that there are so many countries and everyone is at different parts in their evolution of women’s football, so to understand and hear everyone’s side is really important because we all want the same thing.”

PFA and Premier League announce creation of new Football Brain Health Fund

New fund to assist former players, and their families, who have been impacted by dementia and other neurodegenerative conditions

Pilot Sports Help Deliver A Robust Safeguarding Audit Framework

Our Safeguarding in Sport Continuous Improvement Program provides a nationally consistent approach to child safeguarding in sport.

The program was developed by Sport Integrity Australia with the help of some National Sport Organisations who were part of a pilot program over a six-month period.

Sport Integrity Australia Director of Safeguarding Lisa Purves said the purpose of the pilot program was to develop a robust audit framework to support the implementation of the program.

“Sport Integrity Australia recognises the significant work that has been completed by Gymnastics, Rugby and Equestrian since the pilot program concluded,” Ms Purves said. “All three sports have made significant strides in their safeguarding journey.

“Their practical insights and context provided valuable feedback which have shaped the final program design.”

She said key learnings and insights were gathered from the pilot sports.

Critically, the pilot sports identified key resources required for the sector, including the Child Safety Risk Management and Guide, Safeguarding Risk Identification Library and the Third-Party Contractor Guide.

Sport Integrity Australia is currently finalising these child safe risk management tools, which will be made available to all sports towards the end of 2023.

At the conclusion of the pilot program, three sports – Gymnastics Australia, Rugby Australia and Equestrian Australia – have continued to work with Sport Integrity Australia to develop their Recognise Phase Action Plans aimed at maturing their member protection and child safeguarding practices.

Sport Integrity Australia also congratulates the following sports who have since signed up to the program, demonstrating a commitment providing a safe sport environment for their members: AusCycling, Basketball Australia, DanceSport Australia, Disability Sports Australia, Disabled Winter Sports Australia, Netball Australia, Orienteering Australia, Pony Club Australia, Softball Australia, Squash Australia, Surf Life Saving Australia, Swimming Australia, Triathlon Australia and Volleyball Australia.

IOC commissions for 2023: gender equality reaffirmed and new IOC Esports Commission announced

The potential to engage new audiences

Marking the latest step in supporting the development of virtual sports within the Olympic Movement, the establishment of the Esports Commission, chaired by IOC Member David Lappartient, who led the IOC Esports Liaison Group until the creation of the new Commission, underlines the IOC’s recognition of the tremendous potential that esports have to engage new audiences and provide new opportunities for athletes and fans alike.

Virtual and simulated sports have become an increasingly important part of the sporting landscape in recent years. The IOC has already been exploring this potential through initiatives such as the Olympic Esports Week, which was held for the first time in Singapore from 23 to 25 June, and the Olympic Esports Series, which invited both professional and amateur players from across the world to compete in virtual sports competitions.

“The IOC believes that virtual sports have the potential to complement and enhance the traditional Olympic sports, and that they can provide new opportunities for athletes and fans to participate in the Olympic Movement,” said President Bach. “We believe that virtual sports can help to promote the values of excellence, friendship and respect that are at the heart of the Olympic Games, and that they can inspire young people around the world to get involved in sports and to lead active and healthy lifestyles.”

Gender equality across IOC commissions

The IOC commissions play a vital role in the organisation’s work, focusing on specific subject areas and making recommendations to the IOC President, the Executive Board and the IOC Session. The composition of each commission includes IOC Members and a range of external experts.

President Bach once again maintained gender equality across the commission positions for 2023, highlighting the organisation’s efforts to foster gender equality and inclusion throughout the sports movement. The IOC continues to lead by example in regard to corporate citizenship, which was one of the key recommendations of its strategic roadmap, Olympic Agenda 2020+5.

Of the 583 positions on the IOC commissions, 287 are occupied by men and 296 by women. This represents a substantial increase in female representation since 2013, when only 20 per cent of commission positions were held by women.

Chairs ensure consistent approach

Almost all of the already existing IOC commissions will retain the same chairperson as last year, ensuring a consistent approach in fulfilling their mandates. 14 chairs of the 33 commissions are female, which makes it 42.42 per cent.

The only recent changes were the appointments of IOC Member Karl Stoss as Chair of the Future Host Commission for the Olympic Winter Games and of IOC Executive Board member Kristin Kloster as the Chair of the Coordination Commission for the XXV Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, both replacing members who resigned from their position.

The President also appointed two additional independent members to the IOC Advisory Committee on Human Rights, to reinforce the expertise of the body in the field of business and human rights – namely Ms Rebeca Grynspan Mayufis and Ms Alexandra Guáqueta.

Ms Grynspan Mayufis is a Costa Rican economist who has been serving as Secretary General (SG) of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) since 13 September 2021. Before that, she held various official positions in the UN system and in her country – including as Vice-President and Coordinating Minister of Social Affairs of Costa Rica (1994-1998).

Ms Guáqueta is a Colombian national who currently leads the global social impact and human rights function at a multinational consultancy firm that focuses on sustainability. Prior to her current role, Ms Guaqueta held various positions related to social standards – including as a member of the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights (2011-2015).

The next IOC Commissions Week, which sees all the IOC commissions meet to discuss their specific subject areas, will be held remotely in November.

Fedotov and CSKA violate sanctions

On August 14, the International Ice Hockey Federation announced sanctions on Ivan Fedotov and CSKA Hockey Club for breach of the IIHF International Transfer Regulations (cf. IIHF - IIHF sanctions Ivan Fedotov and CSKA Hockey Club).
 
The IIHF imposed the following sporting sanctions on Ivan Fedotov: A four (4) month suspension on playing in official national and international games during playing periods. The suspension shall take effect on 1 September 2023 (first CSKA regular season game) and conclude on 31 December 2023.
 
Respectively, the IIHF has imposed the following sporting sanctions on CSKA Hockey Club: A one (1) season ban on International Transfers taking effect on 11 August 2023 and concluding on 10 August 2024.
 
On 1 September 2023, Ivan Fedotov played in the first CSKA regular season game against Ak Bars, despite the sporting sanctions the IIHF imposed on both Ivan Fedotov, and CSKA Hockey Club.
 
As Ivan Fedotov participation on 1 September for CSKA results in a violation of the IIHF Decision issued against Fedotov, the IIHF will refer Ivan Fedotov to the IIHF Disciplinary Board in accordance with Art. 12.1.1.iv of the IIHF Disciplinary Code.
 

FIFPRO Statement: UEFA decision on additional stoppage time

FIFPRO Europe, the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA, England) and the Union Nationale des Footballeurs Professionnels (UNFP, France) welcome UEFA’s decision not to apply the new guidelines around additional stoppage time to European competitions.

This decision shows UEFA have listened to the players and their unions.

"This is an excellent player-centric decision which will make a difference for footballers across Europe," said FIFPRO Europe President and UNFP Vice-President David Terrier. "The fruitful cooperation with UEFA underlines our shared commitment to enhancing player welfare.

“This collaborative approach fills us with confidence for the future relationship between UEFA, professional players, and their respective unions.”

PFA CEO and FIFPRO board member Maheta Molango said: “Player workload is the number one issue when I speak to members at clubs who will be competing for club and country. It is totally unsustainable. It’s clear they are having to make really difficult decisions about how to protect their own health and fitness. 

“The comments from Zvonimir Boban [UEFA’s Chief of Football] show that he gets it. From his own experience he understands the player perspective and the fact that this is ultimately a player wellbeing issue. I will keep saying it – we can’t keep pushing the players until they break.”

FIFA and ASEAN look to expand partnership to cover gender equality and climate change

FIFA and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are hoping to expand their existing partnership to cover climate change and gender equality in the future. The two organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Bangkok, in November 2019, where they committed to join forces to leverage football as a catalyst for social development and healthy lifestyles in the region, and are now looking to extend it beyond 2024.

During the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Sports (SOMS-14), held in Chiang Mai, Thailand, FIFA Regional Director Asia & Oceania Sanjeevan Balasingam outlined the main achievements since 2019 and also the new areas that could be incorporated when the MoU comes up for renewal.

"In today's world, which is so divided, football unites the world. In this amazing region, it is extremely important for FIFA, as football's governing body, to work closely with ASEAN to ensure that football is a tool for unity," Mr Balasingam told the meeting. "Also, as a person from the region, the cause is close to my heart and FIFA looks to continue this strong collaboration with ASEAN."

Dr. Niwat Limsuknirun, Chair of SOMS-14, said: “I personally think that it could be beneficial to prioritise discussions on gender equality and climate change for inclusion in the next phase of ASEAN-FIFA MoU.

"This is particularly relevant for the ASEAN Sports Community and presents an opportunity to address global concerns. We will consult the relevant parties to seek advice regarding the possible renewal of the MOU and the expected new priorities,” added Dr Limsuknirum, who is Director General of the Department of Physical Education of Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

Education has been one of the key areas of co-operation and nine of the 10 ASEAN member states - Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam - have signed up, or are in the process of signing up, for FIFA's Football For Schools program.

So far, 1,780,544 children have enrolled in the programme in ASEAN member states and 82,240 footballs have been distributed. From 2024 onwards, FIFA hopes that all 10 member states will be involved.

Health has been another focus. During the pandemic, FIFA and ASEAN collaborated on COVID-19 awareness-raising campaigns and the #FiveSteps programme which provided practical tips for citizens of ASEAN countries to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Meanwhile, the #BeActive campaign has promoted healthy lifestyles for all.

Sports integrity has been promoted, particularly anti-match manipulation where the translation of the FIFA Integrity e-Learning Tutorial into ASEAN languages (Malay, Khmer, Indonesian, Lao, Burmese, Thai and Vietnamese) has enhanced learning opportunities across the region.

For the renewal of the MoU, FIFA hopes to build on the success of the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™ and have a gender equality as a new area on its own.

FIFA would also like to join forces with ASEAN to take proactive measures to mitigate the impact of climate change through football. Measures would include raising awareness on climate change, a focus on climate-proof sport infrastructure and climate resilient football development.

The FIFA U17 World Cup 2023™ will be hosted in the ASEAN region when it takes place in Indonesia in November and December, and a workshop will be organised on the sidelines of the tournament with the framework of the MoU. The workshop will cover safe sport, the promotion of sport integrity, stadium safety and security plus updates on Football For Schools.

Independent disciplinary update: Scott Barrett (New Zealand)

New Zealand's Scott Barrett appeared before an independent Judicial Committee on Monday, 28 August having received a red card in New Zealand’s Rugby World Cup 2023 warm-up match against South Africa on 25 August 2023. The red card was awarded following the receipt of two yellow cards.

The independent Disciplinary Committee was chaired by Sir James Dingemans (England), joined by former international player Olly Kohn (Wales) and former referee Valeriu Toma (Romania).

The Committee found that Appendix 4 of Regulation 17 requires the Judicial Committee to apply a sanction for the offence of persistent offending, not for the substantive offences relating to each yellow card (see Regulation 17, Appendix 4, at B.1).

The full written decision can be found here.

Appendix 4 at B 2(c) provides that: “The … judicial committee may decide that sending off was sufficient … in the following circumstances … (c) any of the temporary suspensions were awarded for so-called technical offences (including following a team warning) not involving a breach of laws 9.11 to 9.28 inclusive.”

The independent Judicial Committee found that sending off was a sufficient sanction in this case because the player was sent off for two yellow cards (referred to as temporary suspensions in the appendix), and the first  of those yellow cards was for a technical offence following a team warning.

The player has the right of appeal within 48 hours of the issuing of the full written decision, which will appear here once published.

Click here to watch the video that explains how rugby’s disciplinary process works.

Visit World Rugby’s dedicated disciplinary process education and information page here.

Concacaf growing anti-doping efforts with FIFA

As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance its anti-doping and integrity initiatives, Concacaf is collaborating with FIFA to intensify its anti-doping efforts within the Confederation’s competitions.

In addition to educational programs, the frequency and volume of testing has increased in 2023 compared to previous years and can be expected to continue to grow in 2024.

2023 has already seen Concacaf implement a new program of doping controls at various major international and club tournaments, including the recently completed 2022-23 Concacaf Nations League Finals, 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup and the 2023 Concacaf Central American Cup, which is currently underway. The 2023-24 Concacaf Nations League and future competitions will also include these new anti-doping provisions.

“Working hand in hand with FIFA, we continue to expand the Confederation's anti-doping program and prioritize integrity and fair play in our game,” said Concacaf Director of Competitions Carlos Fernandez.

“Our joint efforts, including education programs for players and staff and additional testing before and during tournaments, will contribute to Concacaf football's ongoing growth, professionalism, and success.” concluded Fernandez.

Circular no. 1854 - FIFA Women’s Football Member Associations Survey Report 2023

TO THE MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS OF FIFA

Circular no. 1854

Zurich, 24 August 2023

FIFA Women’s Football Member Associations Survey Report 2023

Dear Sir or Madam,

As part of The Vision 2020-2023, FIFA is working hand in hand with its member associations to further accelerate the growth of women’s football on and off the pitch. 

In order to measure the progress of women’s football around the world, by means of circular no. 1832 dated 31 January 2023 FIFA invited all member associations to complete a survey on their women’s football landscape and provide information across different areas.

As a result of this process, FIFA is pleased to share with you the enclosed FIFA Women’s Football Member Associations Survey Report 2023. By getting access to and analysing the data of women's football globally, FIFA, the confederations, the member associations and the football stakeholders will be more equipped to make informed decisions on how to further accelerate the growth of the women's game and achieve the goals set within the FIFA Women's Football Strategy launched in 2018.

If you have any questions regarding the report, please do not hesitate to contact Marina Radulovic of the Women’s Football Division at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

We look forward to keep working with you to further accelerate the growth of women’s football all over the globe.

Yours faithfully, 

FÉDÉRATION INTERNATIONALE

DE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

Fatma Samoura

Secretary General