The Sport Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA) has appointed Franco Frattini, Justice and Chamber President to the Italian Supreme Administrative Court, as its new independent chair.
Frattini will move into the role with immediate effect and serve a four-year term, bringing with him over 40 years’ experience in diplomacy, government, integrity and sport.
Frattini twice served as the Italian Foreign Minister and also spent time as vice-president of the European Commission and Commissioner for Justice, Freedom and Security.
In 2011, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) awarded Frattini with the Olympic Order, in recognition for his work in securing ‘Observer’ status for the IOC at the United Nations.
“I strongly support the SIGA’s activities and I am very well aware of the high reputation SIGA enjoys around the world,” Frattini said. “I think it is very important to also be aware of the challenges sport is facing today.
“Sport has no borders and it speaks around the world in the same way to the young and to the old. This is why it is so important we all work together to share common principles, to share values, to defend and make integrity, respect of legality and respect of all the binding rules in the sports sector even stronger.”
Lord John Stevens, chair of the SIGA Nominations Committee, which put Frattini forward for the role at the organisation’s recent General Assembly, added: “With Frattini as chair, we are certain that SIGA has the right person in place to lead our coalition forward and ensure that SIGA makes a real contribution to ushering in a new era for sport.
“His CV speaks for itself and SIGA will benefit greatly from his vast experience and expertise. He has an impeccable track record and he is passionate about promoting good governance and sports integrity across SIGA’s three core strategic areas.”
Meanwhile, SIGA also used its General Assembly to announce a number of new members. Parkour Earth, Safe Sport USA and MediaCom are among the organisations to have joined SIGA.
In addition, SIGA has launched its new ‘SIGA Champions’ Programme, which it said will enable athletes to contribute to a wider effort to ensure a safer future for sport.
Rosa Mota, who won a gold medal in the marathon event for Portugal at the 1988 summer Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea, will serve as one of a number of ‘Sports Integrity Ambassadors’ as part of the initiative.
In a statement, the SIGA Council said: “Athletes are at the very heart of sport and have a vital role to play in safeguarding its integrity. No one should be angrier by the scandals blighting sport than the millions of clean athletes around the world. They are uniquely positioned to understand the challenges facing sport and the ways sports administrators can help overcome these challenges.”
https://www.sportbusiness.com/sport-news/siga-confirms-frattini-independent-chair