Why Rule 50 still isn’t working for athletes - Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games
Sports Law in 2022 – Key issues to watch in Europe
Sports Law in 2022 – Key issues to watch in UK & Ireland
Key Sports Law Cases And Developments Of 2021 – Central & South America
Can athletes successfully challenge COVID-19 vaccine mandates? A case study from the Australian Open 2022
World Players: IOC's call with Peng Shuai exacerbates alarm, special delegation needed
In the wake of Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai's call with International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach, the World Players Association has released the following statement:
The World Players Association repeats its call for the urgent establishment of a special delegation of international organizations and human rights experts to meet with Peng Shuai in order to ensure and obtain the necessary guarantees for her rights, health and safety.
Amnesty International report claims migrant workers are still trapped and exploited in Qatar
An Amnesty International report has claimed that migrant workers are still being trapped and exploited in Qatar as they work on new stadiums for next year’s FIFA World Cup.
China cuts NBA broadcasts after Boston Celtic Enes Kanter called for Tibetan independence
China has removed broadcasts of NBA games after Boston Celtics player Enes Kanter called for China to give Tibet independence.
Kanter posted a video in which he said “Brutal dictator of China, Xi Jinping, I have a message for you and your henchmen. Under the Chinese government's brutal rule, Tibetan people's basic rights and freedoms are non-existent.” Following the video being posted Chinese platform Tencent cut the broadcast of the Celtics game against the New York Knicks.
PHF updates transgender and non-binary inclusion policy
Policy Enhanced in Partnership with Athlete Ally and Chris Mosier
October 15, 2021 (Brooklyn, N.Y.) - The Premier Hockey Federation today announced an updated Transgender and Non-Binary Inclusion Policy that is effective immediately for the 2021-22 season. The federation’s policy was enhanced with consultation from Athlete Ally, a non-profit LGBTQI+ athletic advocacy group focused on making athletic communities more inclusive and less discriminatory, and Chris Mosier, a transgender hall of fame triathlete, All-American duathlete, 6-time member of Team USA, and the founder of TransAthlete.com.
IOC supports the calls for a wider consultation on FIFA’s World Cup plans and shares concerns
The Executive Board (EB) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) takes note of FIFA’s plans to change the football competition schedule and to hold the World Cup every two years. A number of International Federations (IFs) of other sports, national football federations, clubs, players, players associations and coaches have expressed strong reservations and concerns regarding the plans to generate more revenue for FIFA, mainly for the following reasons:
Amnesty International requests Premier League meeting following Newcastle takeover
Amnesty International has written to the Premier League chief executive requesting an urgent meeting to discuss the rules that govern buying clubs.
Rio Ferdinand tells MPs football is ‘sliding backwards’ because of racist abuse online
Former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand has told MPs that football is "sliding backwards" and racism is being normalised because of the frequent racist abuse online.
Afghan women cyclists brought to safety in Europe cpa cycling
We are delighted to share the following Road to Equality press release from the Association of the Italian Professional Cyclists ACCPI.
A small group of Afghan women cyclists has managed to reach Italy on board a C-130 of the Italian Air Force that landed at Fiumicino (Rome) on 27th August. Six athletes are currently observing the required quarantine, alongside a male athlete and several family members. Joy, but also concern about those who are haven’t yet been able to leave Afghanistan.
EFL releases League-wide anti-discrimination video
The EFL has produced a League-wide anti-discrimination video as part of its ‘Together Against Discrimination’ campaign, which calls on all in stadiums to call out abuse, report discrimination and to respect players and one another.
UEFA working group on workers’ rights makes first visit to World Cup 2022 hosts
In May, UEFA set up a dedicated working group to gain a better or further understanding regarding the issues surrounding human rights in Qatar up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup and beyond.
OFC have taken the pledge to improving safeguarding for all across Oceania
August 8 marks international Safer Sport Day and OFC are joining International Safeguards for Children in Sport in their aim to raise awareness of safeguarding.
There are eight safeguards that should be in place by any organisation working with children in sport while encouraging organisations to “take the pledge” and commit to improving safeguarding in their organisation.
IOC launches investigation into case of Belarusian sprinter
The International Olympic Committee has launched a formal investigation into the National Olympic Committee of the Republic of Belarus (NOCRB) after sprinter Krystsina Tsimanouskaya alleged officials from the country had taken her to the airport against her will.
Tsimanouskaya took refuge in the Polish embassy in Tokyo on Monday, a day after refusing her team’s orders to board a flight home from the Olympic Games. Warsaw has offered her a humanitarian visa.
Letter: Investigation on sexual abuse allegation in Mali Basketball
World Players Association joins Sport & Rights Alliance to demand justice for Mali Basketball players
Mr. Andreas Zagklis
Secretary General
Fédération Internationale de Basketball (FIBA)
July 29, 2021
Re: Investigation on Sexual Abuse Allegation in Mali Basketball
World Players welcomes the formal establishment of the Centre for Sport & Human Rights: work to meaningfully address global sport’s human rights crisis is just beginning
The Centre for Sport & Human Rights (CSHR) was formally established today as an independent non-profit organisation based in Geneva, Switzerland. It has also appointed a diverse nine-person board of outstanding individuals to oversee its work including former UNI Global Union General Secretary, Philip Jennings and past World Players Association Executive Director, Walter Palmer.
Naomi Osaka Case: Striking A Balance Between Media Obligations & Mental Health Concerns
EU Athletes Response to the Lobby for a ‘European sport model’
EU Athletes reiterates that athletes have the same fundamental rights as every other person, citizen and worker. These rights are guaranteed by national and European laws, as well as internationally recognised human rights instruments and standards. They cannot be restricted or redefined by sport organisations.
World’s Top Swimmers Unite to Formally Establish the Independent International Swimmers’ Alliance
Today marks the formal launch of the International Swimmers’ Alliance, an independent organization established for athletes, by athletes that aims to fight for swimmers’ rights and provide them with an independent global voice.
New Precedent Set For Withholding/Editing Content From Regulatory Decisions? - The FA v Marc Bola
Sports Law in 2022 – Key issues to watch in Asia, Africa & Oceania
A Summary Of 2021’s Key Sports Law Cases From The CAS & SFT
Key Sports Law Cases And Developments Of 2021 – UK & Ireland
A guide to the regulation of transgender athlete participation in sport
IOC President and IOC Athletes’ Commission Chair hold video call with Peng Shuai
Today, IOC President Thomas Bach held a video call with three-time Olympian Peng Shuai from China. He was joined by the Chair of the IOC Athletes’ Commission, Emma Terho, and IOC Member in China Li Lingwei, who has known Peng Shuai for many years from her time in the Chinese Tennis Federation.
FIFA President calls on global football community to show solidarity with Afghan refugees
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FIFA President thanks Qatar for aiding evacuation from Afghanistan of over 150 refugees, among them female football players and their families
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Gianni Infantino visited compound in Doha to meet evacuees, including displaced players and Afghanistan Football Federation staff members
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FIFA President calls on other nations to assist
Another 57 people linked to football and sport evacuated from Afghanistan
Following another round of complex negotiations, FIFA can confirm that it has supported Qatar with the evacuation from Afghanistan of a second group of refugees linked to women’s football and basketball. A total of 57 individuals, mostly women and children, safely landed in Doha on Wednesday, 20 October, on a Qatar Airways charter flight. Last Thursday, 14 October, FIFA and Qatar successfully evacuated almost 100 members of the football family from Afghanistan to Doha, including female players. FIFA would like to express its sincere thanks to the government of Qatar for its support in facilitating extensive discussions and ensuring the safe passage of these individuals, deemed to have been at the highest risk.
Olympism 365: Strengthening the role of sport as an important enabler for the UN Sustainable Development Goals
The Executive Board (EB) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) today endorsed the Olympism 365 strategy. It aims to strengthen the role of sport as an important enabler for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations (UN) and to connect people with the Olympic values everywhere, every day.
FIFA assists evacuation of refugees from Afghanistan
FIFA can confirm, following complex negotiations, it has, with the support of Qatar, evacuated almost 100 members of the football family from Afghanistan, including female players.
The UCI supports Afghan cycling community and helps with the evacuation of 165 refugees
The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and its partners have lent their support and help to the Afghan Cycling Federation. After the events which occurred in the country in August 2021 and the consequences that they have had on certain members of the population, in particular women, the UCI has reached out to members of the cycling family, the Olympic movement and also other members of the population whose lives and safety has been under threat, to enable them to leave Afghan soil.
Equestrian rider becomes second Belarusian athlete to receive humanitarian visa from Poland
Equestrian rider Olga Safronova has become the second Belarusian athlete to receive a humanitarian visa from Poland after she publicly criticised the Belarusian Government.
FIFAPRO joins Qatari government and BWI at Migrant Workers Forum in Doha
The Ministry for Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs (MADLSA) and Building and Woodworkers’ International (BWI) organised a Community Leaders’ Forum on 27 August 2021 in Doha, Qatar.
Álvaro Dionisio on football trafficking in Portugal: 'I was too trusting and they tricked me'
- In July 2019 Álvaro Dionisio arrived in Portugal from Argentina, excited at developing his career but after a year he had still not been paid
- He remained confined to a house for months, with no money, along with about 10 other footballers in the same situation
- With the help of the Portuguese player union SJPF he decided to take legal action against the club that brought him to Europe
Afghanistan athletes unable to attend Paralympics due to unrest
Afghanistan’s two Paralympic athletes will not be competing at the Tokyo Games due to the unrest in the country.
Taekwondo competitor Zakia Khudadadi and track athlete Hossain Rasouli were due to arrive in Tokyo for the Games on Tuesday with Khudadadi set to become the first female athlete to represent Afghanistan at the Paralympics.
MENTAL HEALTH DOMINATES THE AGENDA IN URUGUAY
•Four Uruguayan footballers have taken their own lives in the last six months
•FIFPRO spoke with Diego Scotti, president of MUFP, the country's professional footballers' union
•‘We aim to put tools in the hands of the footballers,’ he says.
GLOBAL ATHLETE CALLS ON THE INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE TO IMMEDIATELY SUSPEND THE BELARUS NATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE
2 August 2021: Global Athlete calls on the International Olympic Committee to immediately suspend the Belarus National Olympic Committee and allow all Belarusian athletes to compete as neutral athletes under the Olympic flag. The alleged kidnapping of Belarusian Olympic athlete Krystsina Tsimanouskaya by the Belarus National Olympic Committee (NOC) is yet another example of the alarming athlete abuse occurring in Belarus.
FIFPRO and BWI agreements helps empower footballers to support workers in World Cup host nations
FIFPRO and Building and Woodworkers’ International (BWI) have signed a cooperation agreement that will give professional footballers concerned about human rights a platform to support the rights of vulnerable workers before, during and after the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
GLMS June 2021 Newsletter
Welcome to our June 2021 Newsletter!
Swimming Australia admits failings in complaints procedures
Swimming Australia has admitted failures when dealing with athlete complaints, but insists it is committed to being transparent as a panel is appointed to investigate allegations of sexual misconduct and mistreatment.
Belarus: Drop Charges Against Sports Group Founders
The Belarusian authorities should immediately drop all criminal charges against Aliaksandra Herasimenia and Aliaksandr Apeikin, chair and executive director of the Belarusian Sports Solidarity Foundation (BSSF), the Sport & Rights Alliance said today. On April 6, 2021 the Investigative Committee of the Republic of Belarus opened a criminal case against the group’s founders. If convicted, they risk up to five years in prison.
UEFA establishes Working Group on Workers’ Rights in Qatar
Following requests from a number of national associations, UEFA has established a working group to examine the issues surrounding workers’ rights in Qatar up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup and beyond.
First Global Study of Elite Athletes’ Experiences as Children Documents Systemic Abuse, Shows Urgent Need for Reform
Sports Law Networking Evening - Glasgow