Dr. Iain Lindsay
Global Chief Operating Officer, Sport Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA)
As SIGA’s Global Chief Operating Officer, Iain plays an integral role in the development and expansion of SIGA, the world`s largest coalition for sport integrity. He is a member of the SIGA Executive Committee and reports directly to the Global CEO on a variety of matters, including but not limited to global research, training and capacity building programmes. He plays a key role in the design, development and implementation of global projects, edits the Sport Integrity Journal and is responsible for a range of thought leadership outputs and initiatives. Across all of these he works closely with the SIGA global partners and wider network, and provides insight and strategic advice in relation to the development and implementation of SIGA deliverables.
Iain has recently overseen the succesful application for Erasmus+ funding to design and launch The Sport Transparency Index. This project, which began in 2023, will create the means to benchmark Sport against a set of Transparency Indicators and will provide the platform for knowledge exchange to enhance Integrity and Transparency accross Sport.
Iain Lindsay joined SIGA in 2019 after holding leadership roles in Global Sport Organisations. He holds a BSc, MSc and PhD and is an award-winning, multi-published author that has led and been involved in a diverse array of Sport related research projects and presented extensively on the international conference circuit.
Iain is also a member of the UNESCO Chair on Governance and Social Responsibility in Sport Steering Committee.
Nuno Perestrelo
Senior Director of Communication, Media & Thought Leadership Events
Nuno Perestrelo is a distinguished former senior journalist with nearly three decades of experience in sports journalism and leadership positions at prominent Portuguese newspapers. Transitioning to SIGA in 2021, Nuno embraced the mission of reforming sport with integrity. As Senior Director, he is responsible for internal and external communication, content production, press relations, media advisory, events management and production, and the development of the Media Partners project. Nuno plays a key role in promoting and organizing SIGA’s thought leadership events, including the Summit on Female Leadership, Sport Integrity Week, and the Expert Summit on Global Leadership and Anti-Corruption in Sport.
With extensive experience covering major sports events such as UEFA Euro 2004, FIFA World Cup 2006, and the Olympic Games in London (2012) and Rio de Janeiro (2016), Nuno brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise. He holds certifications in “Communication in Football” from ISCTE – Instituto Universitário de Lisboa and Portugal Football School (Portuguese FA). He holds a Certificate of Pedagogical Competences (CCP), and is a Portuguese certified training provider.
Vinicius Sousa
Senior Director of International Cooperation & Strategic Partnerships (Americas), SIGA Global
Senior Director of Institutional Relations and Strategic Partnerships, SIGA LATIN AMERICA
Vinicius Sousa plays a crucial role in SIGA LATIN AMERICA’s and SIGA’s operations, focusing on governance, stakeholder engagement, and promoting Sport Integrity.
Holding a master’s degree in political action and a bachelor’s degree in International Relations, Vinicius has garnered significant experience with international organizations and public service. He has worked with the European Union Delegation to Brazil and the International Policy Centre for Inclusive Growth. As an adviser to the São Paulo City Hall, he was recognized for his contributions to personnel planning and recruitment innovations. Vinicius’s advocacy consulting experience has equipped him to support national and international organizations in promoting political and systemic changes.
In the field of institutional relations, Vinicius facilitates stakeholder engagement across civil society, government, and business sectors.
Francisco Melo
Chief of Global CEO’s Cabinet and Head of Administration and Membership Affairs
Francisco Melo is a dedicated professional with a strong background in law, holding a bachelor’s degree from Universidade Católica do Porto and a postgraduate qualification in Management and Organization in Professional Football. His passion lies in Sport Integrity and Governance, focusing on promoting transparency and ethical practices within professional sports.
Francisco was appointed Chief of Global CEO’s Cabinet and Head of Administration and Membership Affairs following a career kick-off as Executive Assitant to the Executive Committee, and a successful internship at SIGA. He is committed to advancing the principles of integrity and governance in the sports industry, utilizing his legal expertise and administrative acumen to support SIGA’s mission.
Emília Barbosa
Executive Assistant to the Board of Directors, SIGA EUROPE
Emília Barbosa is a highly skilled professional with extensive experience in sports marketing, event management, and human resources. She holds a degree in Advertising Engineering from the University Fernando Pessoa and has a strong legal background, including a postgraduate diploma in Sports Law from IDET – University of Coimbra. Emília is fluent in Portuguese, English, Spanish, and French, adding valuable language skills to her international work. Over her 17-year career at Liga Portugal, she excelled across various departments, including Marketing, the President’s Support Office, Competitions, and Contract Registration. One of her cherished experiences was participating in Expo ’98, which enriched her global outlook and intercultural skills. Her experience in administrative affairs and project management now culminates in her role as Executive Assistant to the Board of Directors at SIGA EUROPE.