Sports bodies and personalities join to establish anti-corruption body

More than 50 high-profile people and organisations have come together to join a global coalition which aims to promote integrity and fight corruption in sport.

The Sport Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA) has been billed as an “independent and neutral coalition” which has been launched with the “sole purpose of protecting the integrity of sport” and will attempt to drive reforms across good governance and financial transparency.

Formed by parent organisation the International Centre for Sports Security (ICSS), which is primarily funded by the Qatari government, SIGA has asked members to sign a Declaration of Core Principles on Sport Integrity.

Key principles include: support the establishment of an independent betting monitoring platform; the establishment of international financial integrity standards; a zero tolerance policy on corruption; and the development of a fit and proper sports club owners and directors test.

Mohammed Hanzab, president of the ICSS, said the formation of SIGA was an “important milestone” which will drive reforms and strengthen governance.

“We are proud to be part of this multi-stakeholder coalition and join forces with other like-minded organisations that are concerned and committed to protect the future of sport,” he added. “Sport reflects the best human values, as well as inspiring and promoting character-building qualities.”

Among the supporters of the new organisation are former UK minister of sport Richard Caborn, Football Association senior vice president Sir Dave Richards and chief executive of the Commonwealth Games Federation David Grevemberg.