Emanuel Macedo de Medeiros, Global CEO of SIGA and Chair & CEO of SIGA LATIN AMERICA, was recently by Record News, one of Brazil’s leading news networks.
In this compelling interview with journalist Rafael Algarte, Emanuel Macedo de Medeiros shared insights into the origins and mission of SIGA, its response to global corruption in sport, and the organisation’s critical role in reforming governance, promoting integrity, and fostering gender equity in sport.
This interview also highlights SIGA’s growing influence in Latin America and follows Record News’ involvement as Media Partner for the Summit on Female Leadership in Sport – Brazil Edition.
Key topics discussed:
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The origins of SIGA and the impact of FIFA Gate
“SIGA was not just an idea; it was a transformative, radical, pioneering initiative that arose from a set of traumatic and violent circumstances. The FIFA Gate scandal shook the entire sports industry. It was not just about football or FIFA — it was about every sport, every organisation. As a result, sport’s reputation was in the mud.”
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The creation of Universal Standards and independent scrutiny
“We gathered some of the greatest specialists in this area to develop a pioneering set of universal standards on good governance in sport, financial integrity, sports betting integrity, and the protection and development of youth sport.”
“We didn’t want just to talk about change. We created a system that guarantees objective, independent, and neutral verification. It’s a system that ensures that organisations are worthy of trust, passion, and investment.” -
The need for reform in Brazil’s sports governance
“It’s impossible for a country like Brazil, with such a large population and influence, to continue operating under a 19th-century legal framework. This needs to change — Brazil must take the lead in modernising its sports system.”
“Creating a professional football league is not a luxury — it is a measure that’s been overdue for 20 years.” -
The role of sport in driving broader societal change
“Sport, especially football, has the power to be a driver of human, social, cultural, and economic development. But for it to fulfil this potential, it must lead by example.”
“Sport is not just about being a source of entertainment or economic growth. It is also about contributing to the sustainability of our planet and promoting ethical values.” -
Gender equity in sport
“Gender equity is not something we should merely proclaim; it is something that must be concretely realised. We didn’t embrace it because it was convenient or trendy — we did it out of necessity and urgency.”
“In 2020, only 18.3% of executive committee members in the 32 international federations recognised by the International Olympic Committee were women. This was a reality that we couldn’t accept.”
“At SIGA, we don’t just talk about gender equity. We’ve made it a fundamental principle. Our Council must be at least 50% female — not 30%, not 29%, but 50%.” -
Mentoring and leadership development for women in sport
“We started our mentorship programme with 20 women. Last year we had 150 from 32 countries. This year, our ambition is to reach 350 women at a minimum.”
“We will not stop there. We are committed to creating opportunities for women to step into leadership roles and drive change.”
Watch the full interview (in Portuguese) below:
ABOUT SIGA
SIGA is the world’s leading organisation for Sport Integrity. We are creating a whole new landscape for the sports industry by delivering independent global rating and certification for world Sport to ensure it is governed and operates under the highest integrity standards: The SIGA Universal Standards.
Funded by our Members, SIGA is a non for profit global independent organisation with one aim: To ensure the sport industry is governed under the highest integrity standards so that the values of sport are protected.
SIGA is the only organisation to bring together sport, governments, academia, international organisations, sponsors, business, rights holders, NGOs and professional services companies, from every region in the world, around a common cause of fostering greater integrity throughout sport.
SIGA is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, as a non for-profit association, and comprises of the following continental subsidiaries: SIGA AMERICA, SIGA EUROPE and SIGA LATIN AMERICA.
For more information on SIGA, including its vision, mission and reform agenda, please refer to the website: www.siga-sport.com and FAQs.
To contact SIGA, please email: [email protected].
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