Chairman of the International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS) and Vice Chairman of the Sport Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA) Mohammed Hanzab emphasized that “Sport Integrity Week” will return for its fourth edition, having gained significant momentum since its launch in 2020. It has become a global platform for diagnosing the state of sports and shedding light on the most pressing challenges. Through this platform, international cooperation across various sectors will be discussed, along with appropriate recommendations and initiatives to achieve the desired reforms. Ultimately, the aim is to enforce integrity, transparency, and governance standards within global sports.
In an exclusive interview with Qatar News Agency on the occasion of the upcoming “Sport Integrity Week,” taking place from Sep. 4-9, he stated that the event serves as one of the main dialogue platforms initiated by SIGA. The organization was established in 2016 through Qatari efforts led by the International Center for Sports Security. SIGA has grown to encompass over 100 global organizations supported financially by members, further enhancing Qatar’s success as the only country to establish an international organization dedicated to sports integrity on a global scale.
He highlighted the importance of this eagerly awaited annual event, which will attract decision-makers, government representatives, civil society, sports and economic sectors, experts, and academics from various countries and international organizations. Among the participants are the Portuguese government, the European Union, and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), as well as esteemed media institutions like the European Broadcasting Union, Inside World Football, and World Football.
He also noted the participation of representatives from international sports governing bodies such as FIFA, UEFA, CAF, as well as European football associations including La Liga, the Argentine Football League, the European Aquatics Championships, Sporting CP, the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee, the Portuguese sports federation, La Liga, and the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation.
He added that the week will address the critical challenges facing global sports in taking concrete steps to combat corruption, enforce laws, and create a conducive environment for protecting sports from various threats, including match-fixing, illicit betting, corruption, extremism, and organized crime in all its forms.
Furthermore, ICSS President revealed that the fourth edition of “Sport Integrity Week” will be held for the first time in 35 capitals and cities around the world, including Doha, New York, London, Paris, Geneva, Madrid, Lisbon, Sao Paulo, Mumbai, Guinea-Bissau, Luanda, and others. The event will feature widespread global participation, encompassing continents, with prominent speakers from the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
He confirmed that hosting a portion of the week’s activities in Doha is aligned with Qatar’s commitment to providing platforms for constructive and open dialogue among policymakers worldwide.
This organization reflects the ambitious and insightful vision of SIGA, highlighting its leadership in spearheading international efforts to protect sports integrity globally. At the same time, it further solidifies Qatar’s position as a capital of global sports. (MORE)
Source: Qatar News Agency