The Sport Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA) is launching a global investigation to determine the efficacy of the different laws in relation to the prevention and fight against corruption in Sport – the world’s largest independent coalition in the field of Sport Integrity has revealed today.
This comparative study will also identify commonalities and differences, as well as best practices, weaknesses and loopholes. Under the microscope will be the international and national legal frameworks applicable to corruption in sport, including the definitions, natures and scopes of this type of crime in the different jurisdictions, and different criminal penalties foreseen.
With a view to establishing better coordination and more efficient cooperation, both at national and international level, SIGA will also conduct an in-depth critical analysis of the current cooperation mechanisms and networks between law enforcement authorities, governments, sports bodies and other key stakeholders.
At the kick-start of this large-scale enterprise, SIGA announced the support of the Union Internationale d’Ávocats (UIA), one of SIGA’s founding Committed Supporters. Established in 1927, the UIA is a leading global and multi-cultural organisation for the legal profession. It brings together two million lawyers from more than 110 countries around the world.
This is the first of the three Anti-Corruption initiatives that resulted from the World Congress on Global Leadership & Anti-Corruption in Sport held in Rome on 18-19 February 2020.
Emanuel Macedo de Medeiros, CEO of SIGA and Chairman of SIGA AMERICA, stated:
“Does anyone believe that we will eradicate corruption from the face of sport with obsolete legislation, international conventions that end up nowhere or sterile talking shops? Of course not! We need a robust legal framework, seriously inclusive cooperation, and tangible results. That’s what matters, that’s what we need, and that’s what, with the support of all our Members and Committed Supporters, such as the UIA, our SIGA University Global Network and many other like-minded partners, we will deliver.”
Commenting on behalf of lawyers’ global umbrella organisation, Fernando Veiga Gomes, President of the UIA Sports Law Commission, stated:
“Corruption should be in the top place of any discussions regarding sports. Sports is nowadays a major industry with major investors, multinationals, athletes and stakeholders that operate on a global scale. Sports is also vulnerable to criminal infiltration associated to money laundering, tax evasion, illegal betting, child trafficking and other criminal practices. It is of the most importance to have an overview of different legislations from different countries in order to fight corruption in sports and to define common standards in terms of types of crimes to be sanctioned and similar penalties for the same type of crimes or infringements. This comparative study will be a first important step.”
This is the 27th in a set of 30 boosting measures being announced and developed by SIGA.
SIGA STRIVES Measure 28 will be announced tomorrow! Stay tuned