1 July 2020 - A new policy paper published jointly by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), INTERPOL and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) highlights the challenges posed by COVID-19 to the very integrity of sport and addresses the action required by those involved in tackling corruption in sport and preventing the manipulation of competitions, in particular sport organisations and governments.
The policy paper presents an aligned, proactive approach in taking preventative measures for the time when sport will fully resume. The temporary absence of sport events does not necessarily eliminate sports integrity issues and the re-starting of competitions will require greater vigilance. Safeguarding the integrity of sport in these challenging times and placing it at the core of the “new normal” for sport, is to invest in its future potential.
The document sets out a policy framework and a playbook of recommendations, most of which are generally valid, but have been adapted to the current situation.
The paper also recalls the support and tools available to sport organisations as well as governments (primarily law enforcement and criminal justice authorities). It provides guidance on how to respond immediately (e.g. avoid decreasing salaries of those most vulnerable and severely affected; conduct virtual awareness-raising sessions) as well as in the future (e.g. ensure regulations and legislation are in place).
UNODC Initiatives
Through its Programme on Safeguarding Sport from Corruption and Crime, UNODC supports the 187 States parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) in their implementation of relevant resolutions which look to tackle corruption in sport, including the manipulation of sports competitions. For further information please visit: https://www.unodc.org/unodc/safeguardingsport/index.html or email uncac.sport@un.org.
UNODC and IOC have partnered to work range of activities, including providing technical assistance to Member States in the prosecution of competition manipulation, and delivery of national and regional joint training sessions in addition to the development of standard-setting guides and tools. Specifically, UNODC works with the Olympic Movement Unit on the Prevention of the Manipulation of Competitions (OM Unit PMC) is tasked with coordinating, supporting, monitoring and promoting the fight against competition manipulation. This is in addition to cooperating with INTERPOL in this important area of work.
UNODC is also part of the International Partnership Against Corruption In Sport (IPACS), a multi-stakeholder platform composed of international sports organisations, governments, inter-governmental organisations and other relevant stakeholders, working towards eliminating corruption and promoting a culture of good governance in sport.
