List of acronyms

• AHL – American Hockey League
• CONCACAF – Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football
• FFF – Fédération Française de Football
• FIFA – Fédération Internationale de Football Association
• FIFPRO – The Fédération Internationale des Associations de Footballeurs Professionnels
• FPF – Federação Portuguesa de Futebol
• HWCF – Homeless World Cup Foundation
• IBA – International Boxing Association
• IJF – International Judo Federation
• IOC – International Olympic Committee
• NHL – National Hockey League
• NWSL – National Women’s Soccer League 
• RFEF – Real Federación Española de Fútbol
• TFF – Turkish Football Federation
• UEFA – The Union of European Football Associations
• WBC – World Boxing Council
• WDSF – World DanceSport Federation
• WHO – World Health Organization
• WSL – Women’s Super League

Introduction

In this document, we analyze the most significant events and news in sports for July-September 2024 through the lens of international human rights standards.

In Belarus, widespread human rights violations in sports persist. Repression against representatives of the sports industry who do not agree with the current regime, as well as the isolation of the country from international sports competitions, underscore the fundamental incompatibility of authoritarian regimes and sports coexisting. These problems highlight how state actions restrict athletes’ freedom of expression and participation of athletes, contributing to a global dialogue on human rights.

While there has been progress in advancing women’s rights in sports, significant gaps remain. Despite increased recognition of female athletes and strides toward fair treatment Issues such as safety, sexism, and underrepresentation persist.

The UEFA EURO 2024 tournament, which concluded in July 2024, also sparked discussions on human rights. Controversial statements and actions by players, the tournament schedule’s incompatibility with national labor laws for minors, and offensive behavior online were among the key concerns. In this context, it is crucial that sports organizations and federations, including UEFA, take responsibility for upholding the human rights of athletes and other industry stakeholders.

One of the most significant sporting events of the analyzed period was the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris. These competitions raised numerous human rights concerns – ranging from debates over the ethics of gender testing and discussions on mental health to issues of sexism and climate change. These events highlight the complex intersection of human rights and sports, demonstrating that sports impact not only athletic achievements but also broader societal issues.

The fight against racism in sports continues at various levels, driven by the efforts of athletes, clubs, sports organizations, and federations. However, racism remains a systemic issue in the industry, requiring collective action to foster a safe and inclusive environment for all.

Incidents that occurred during sporting events in this period underscore the importance of prioritizing safety for all attendees. This requires a systematic approach – from staff training to timely and thorough security checks at stadiums.

Athletes continue to share their experiences in maintaining both mental and physical health, helping to break stigmas and challenge stereotypes. In football, concerns over an overloaded competition calendar have been particularly prominent. It is essential that sports organizations and federations prioritize athletes’ well-being, ensuring their fundamental right to health.

Additionally, news about athletes supporting local communities, advocating for labor rights, protecting personal data, engaging in fan activism, and raising awareness about climate change through sports uniforms further demonstrates the far-reaching influence of sports. These efforts contribute to building a more diverse and inclusive society.

What is wrong with human rights in sports in Belarus?

Krav-Maga instructor Hennadzi Kapitanov was sentenced in absentia to 6 years in prison. Previously, a “special proceeding” was initiated against him, and he was charged under 4 articles of the Criminal Code.

Aliaksei Mazuk, a member of the Belarusian national model boat team, was convicted for “calling for sanctions” (Part 3 of Article 361 of the Criminal Code). The exact sentence handed down by the court remains unknown, but under this article the athlete faced between 4 to 12 years in prison.

The Prosecutor General’s Office “allowed” two football players, Stanislav Dragun and Andrei Khachaturyan, to continue their professional careers, despite their previous statements against violence by the de facto Belarusian authorities. This decision was made “due to their sincere remorse and acknowledgment of their mistakes made in 2020.” This practice demonstrates the state’s control of dissent in the country by coercing people to publicly renounce their past positions – often happens under duress and pressure. Such cases undermine freedom of expression and influence the willingness of other public figures, including in sports, to speak out against state abuses.

The de facto authorities of Belarus continue to exploit the lack of a clear definition of “extremism” in legislation to carry out political persecution, including against athletes and other representatives of the sports industry. During the analyzed period, tattoos and Instagram accounts were served as  pretexts for persecution.

Football fans have faced repression – a fan from Grodno was detained for “extremist” tattoos, and a FC Shakhter fan was reported by his neighbours. The political prisoner football fan Tamaz Pipiya had his sentence extended by another 1.5 years under Part 2 of Article 411 of the Criminal Code (malicious disobedience to the administration’s demands). Earlier, he was sentenced to five years in a strict-regime colony under Part 2 of Article 293 of the Criminal Code (participation in mass riots).

In January 2024, during his return to Belarus, basketball referee Aliaksandr Siritsa was detained for creating an “extremist” chat (Article 361-1 of the Criminal Code) and “insulting the president” (Article 368 of the Criminal Code). Table tennis coach Yuriy Ladzyuk was sentenced  to two years in prison for “assisting extremist activities.”

The Instagram accounts of Konstantin Yakovlev, Aleksandra Herasimenya, Elena Leuchanka, and Arthur Udris were added to the list of “extremist materials.”

This practice constitutes a blatant violation of fundamental human rights and freedoms – the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association, as well as  freedom of expression – which, in turn,  undermines the integrity of sports as an industry.

The Serbian Court of Appeals overturned the decision to extradite journalist and founder of the free association of Belarusian athletes SOS BY, Andrei Hnet, but he remains under arrest. The case of the Belarusian activist will return for the third time to the High Court of Belgrade for a new hearing. Rallies in support of Hnet and against his extradition from Serbia to Belarus were held in several countries.

The Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris were one of the most significant sporting events this summer. For the first time since 1984, the broadcast of the Olympics was canceled in Belarus. In turn, the French authorities banned some Belarusian journalists from covering the Olympics due to suspicions of espionage. It should be recalled that Belarusian athletes could only compete in the Games under neutral status. The ban imposed by the IOC is a direct response to Belarus’ involvement in Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and underscores the power of global sports in enforcing accountability for human rights violations.

Volha Bondareva, a representative of Belarusian state propaganda, spoke negatively about the athletes who went to the Olympics under a neutral status: “People without a homeland. And without conscience – athletes who betray. Such people went to the Olympics under the white flag of capitulators.” Athletes competing under a neutral status find themselves “caught between two fires,” needing to demonstrate results in the competitions, but also facing criticism from the government.

At the same time, the TV channel “Belarus 5” managed to secure  an agreement on broadcast the first match of the UEFA Europa League playoff round, in which FC Dinamo Minsk and R.S.C. Anderlecht participated. UEFA’s decision to allow a club from Belarus to compete in the tournament, as well as to broadcast it, highlights the lack of a consistent approach to human rights violations in Belarus and its involvement in the war, while the state continues to use sports as a propaganda tool. This contradiction undermines the efforts of other organizations to hold Belarus accountable and enables the regime to maintain a facade of legitimacy through selective participation in sports.

Fans of the Moscow “Lokomotiv” team displayed a banner “Glory to Russia” during a friendly match with “Torpedo-BelAZ” in Zhodino. This kind of action suggests that the de facto Belarusian authorities actively foster the expression of pro-war sentiments at sporting events, thereby endorsing aggressive and militaristic ideologies.

More than 100 representatives of the Department of Security of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Belarus participated in the Minsk half marathon. This practice can be perceived as a demonstration of state control, reinforcingan atmosphere of fear that stifles freedom of expression and the right to participate in public life, including sports.

The reported developments indicates that sports in Belarus reflect the broader human rights crisis and authoritarian control in the country. Athletes and other industry representatives who speak out against the regime face threats, persecution, and repression. The de facto Belarusian authorities use sports to manufacture an illusion of normalcy, while systematically enforcing censorship and repression, violating fundamental human rights and freedoms.

Women’s rights in sports

The head coach of the US women’s national football team, Emma Hayes, who previously won seven WSL titles as the head coach of Chelsea FC, said that male football team owners are still reluctant to hire a woman as a head coach: “I’ve said this a million times over – you can find a female pilot, a female doctor, a female lawyer, a female banker, but you can’t find a female coach working in the men’s game, leading men. It just shows you how much work there is to be done.”

Jessica Campbell became the first female assistant coach in NHL history. Earlier, in 2022, Campbell also became the first female assistant coach in the AHL. Such decisions contribute to greater gender balance in coaching, but the fact that they are still celebrated as “first achievements” highlights the deeply rooted structural inequality. Continuous efforts are needed to normalize the presence of women in all aspects of sports, including leadership roles in men’s teams.

During an extraordinary General Assembly of the FPF, legislative changes were approved to enhance gender balance in governing bodies. The change stems from Law No. 23/2024, which mandates mandatory representation of 33.3% women and allows for a transitional minimum of 20% until 2026. Thus, the measure, now included in the FPF statutes, will apply to the next elected public bodies – the Board, Supervisory Board and General Assembly Council – which must include at least 20% women.

The Aston Villa women’s team announced that Villa Park will serve as  their main stadium for the 2024/25 season. Thus, Aston Villa joins a growing number of women’s teams playing at their clubs’ primary stadiums. Such trends indicate the  continued growth of women’s football and increasing fan interest, which in turn contributes to better conditions and greater support for the players.

The NWSL and its players signed a new collective bargaining agreement that raises the minimum salary (from $48,500 to $82,500 by 2030) and eliminates drafts, making the NWSL the first professional sports league in the US to provide all players with unrestricted free agency, giving players more control over their careers and movement within the league. This decision is a significant step forward for players’ rights and professional standards in women’s sports. NWSL game attendance has increased by 42%, and the total number of spectators by 95% compared to the 2023 season. Thus, as the NWSL improves conditions for its players, the league is also attracting more fans, driving to the growth and investment in women’s sports.

The WSL and Women’s Championship, which started in September this year, are being broadcast on YouTube for the first time in history. The popularity of women’s football, including in England, is growing globally, and the ability to broadcast on one of the most popular video hosting platforms will attract an even broader audience to the game.

Lauren James has launched a scholarship program for young girls from minority backgrounds in football to increase diversity in the women’s game. Women’s football in England receives a lot of criticism due to the lack racial and ethnic representation, and James is one of the few Black representatives of the game who can be a role model for new generations.

The positive trends noted in the analyzed period reflect the growing acknowledgment of the value and rights of female athletes. Increased media exposure and improved financial conditions indicate greater professionalization and stability in women’s sports. Increasing attention to issues of inclusion and representation is crucial to making sports more accessible for all.

The Pomigliano CF players approached FIFPRO and shared their experiences working under exploitative conditions at the club, which included fraudulent contracts and forged signatures, withholding salaries, medical negligence, harassment, and physical violence against them. With the support of the Italian players’ union AIC, some players have initiated legal proceedings to recover outstanding wages and seek compensation, as well as filed reports with the prosecutor’s office regarding the document forgeries.

FIFPRO shared the results of a survey of female footballers, according to which one in five players faced an eating disorder (ED) within the past year. The reasons for this are multifaceted – distorted perception of food, stereotypical expectations of athletes, societal pressure and shame, as well as, conversely, positive reinforcement of harmful body image beliefs. Many clubs still have a practice of mandatory weigh-ins, which instills fear and shame in the players. Solving this problem requires efforts at different levels – education for players, coaches and club staff, mental health support for athletes, and reducing pressure from social media and sponsors.

A Kick It Out study shows that 52% of surveyed women have faced gender  discrimination, manifesting in various forms. They were asked patronizing questions about the rules of the game, whistled at, harassed, and in some cases there were inappropriate physical contact and sexual harassment. Nearly half (48%) heard sexist remarks in stadiums or on the way to or from the stadium, as well as in nearby hospitality areas. Almost half (46%) heard “indecent proposals,” while 27% – reported aggressive sexual comments. At the same time, out of 1,502 respondents, 85% never reported these incidents, as they did not believe they would be taken seriously. Most of them attended men’s matches. The Kick It Out organization emphasized the need to take action against those who display sexism and released a video explaining the experiences of female fans in such environments.

Exploitation, violence, gender stereotypes and systematic operation show how sports culture continues to enable sexism and misogyny. Comprehensive measures are needed to combat such behavior and ensure a safer and more inclusive environment for women in all aspects of sports.

FIFPRO published a “Return to Play Manual after Pregnancy.” The document is a response to the absence of adequate guidance in clubs and national teams, developed based on the experience of players, and is intended to help professional female footballers, their families, team staff, and other stakeholders in football better understand and manage pregnancy and the postpartum period.

AC Milan became the first European club to introduce a formal maternity policy. The result was a guaranteed contract extension for female players and staff of the club during pregnancy. The club will also help with childcare and cover the costs of flights and accommodation for children and one guardian. Such an initiative by AC Milan may help ensure that women in the club are not forced to choose between their careers and motherhood.

In EA Sports FC 25, a women’s career mode has been introduced, which includes all the functionality of the men’s career mode, as well as exclusive challenges unique to the women’s game. The mode will provide an opportunity for career development in the five major women’s football leagues.

Fara Williams, the all-time top scorer four the England women’s national team, shared her view on the role of FC 25 in the development of women’s football. She believes the game has done a lot to elevate the profile of women’s football and introduce it to a new audience. “People are understanding more about the context of women’s football as a separate entity from the men’s – the former isn’t dependent on the latter for growth.” EA Sports FC 25 helps to normalize the presence of women in professional sports and increase awareness of the unique aspects of the women’s game, supporting a broader struggle for gender equality.

The events described show both progress and ongoing challenges in the aspect of women’s rights in sports. We observe important changes, such as:

• maternity policies and gender balance
• growing popularity and visibility of the women’s game
• representation in cybersport.

All of these contribute to greater inclusivity, professional stability and recognition. At the same time, systemic problems remain – discrimination, exploitation, harassment, and of women in leadership roles. Ensuring women’s rights requires comprehensive efforts and reforms to dismantle entrenched prejudices, ensure accountability, and create a more supportive industry.

EURO-2024

UEFA, in cooperation with Meta, monitored social media platforms to detect abusive posts. During the EURO-2024 group stage: 4,656 posts were flagged as abusive; 308 posts were directly sent to the platform for further action; 71% of posts were corrected. The initiative highlights the awareness of sports organizations’ responsibility for the safety of athletes, fans, and society as a whole in terms of online abuse in sports. Moreover, this approach sets a precedent for other sports and industries in the fight against digital harassment.

Turkish footballer Merih Demiral, celebrating his team’s victory against Austria, displayed a gesture known as the “wolf salute.” UEFA disqualified the player for two matches, stating that he was punished “for violating the basic rules of decent conduct, for using sports events for manifestations of a non-sporting nature and for bringing the sport of football into disrepute.” Demiral himself stated that he was proud of his gesture, and the TFF plan to appeal UEFA’s decision.

UEFA investigated an allegedly indecent gesture by Jude Bellingham after a victory against Slovakia. After scoring a goal, the player turned towards the fans, kissed his right hand, and grabbed his groin. Bellingham explained it was “an inside‑joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game.” UEFA stated that this “violates the basic rules of decent conduct” and issued a one-match suspension, but the decision was suspended for one year depending on good behaviour.

RFEF faced the risk a €30,000 fine in the EURO-2024 final for Lamine Yamal’s post-match pitch invasion. At the time of the final, the player was 17 years old, and according to German labour laws, where tournament  was held, young people under 18 are prohibited from working past 8 pm on any day. There are exceptions for athletes – allowing them to work until 11 pm, but this limit was still exceeded. This legal contradiction highlights the importance of safeguarding young players’ well-being in international competitions and the need to align  sports regulations with national labour laws.

The Gibraltar Football Association (GFA) filed an official complaint to UEFA about the behavior of the Spanish national team players. During the celebration of their EURO-2024 victory, Hernández Rodrigo and Álvaro Morata chanted “Gibraltar is Spanish.” UEFA has launched an investigation.

The events of EURO-2024 during the analyzed period demonstrate the interconnection between sports and human rights, raising important questions about the responsibilities of governing bodies, and illustrating tensions between freedom of expression and maintaining sporting integrity. 

Olympics and Paralympics 2024

TV operators received special instructions to avoid perpetuating  sexist stereotypes in their coverage. “Women athletes are not here because they are more attractive, sexy, or anything else. They are here because they are elite athletes,” said Yiannis Exarchos, the head of the official Olympic broadcasting organization.

When the Australian women’s swimming team left the pool deck after winning a gold medal, commentator Bob Ballard said they were “finishing up”, adding “you know what women are like… hanging around, doing their make-up”. The video with the comment quickly went viral online, and Eurosport announced that they had suspended the commentator for the sexist remarks. Ballard himself apologized, stating that he had no “intention to upset or belittle anyone.”

During her performance, Algerian boxer Imane Khelif faced online abuse – her opponent refused the fight due to Khelif’s “ excessively strong  punch.” Previously, the boxer was disqualified from the 2023 Women’s World Championship by the IBA due to elevated testosterone levels but was born female and doesn’t identify as transgender  However, the media widely circulated claims that Khelif is a transgender woman. In Algeria, publicly identify as transgender is illegal. The boxer filed a complaint about the online abuse with the National Centre for Combating online hate. “I send a message to all the people of the world to uphold the Olympic principles and the Olympic Charter, to refrain from bullying all athletes, because this has effects, massive effects,” the athlete stated.

The objectivity and ethics of gender testing are being questioned and widely debated. Such practices contribute to stigmatization and exclusion, while sport should be a safe space free from discrimination based on gender identity or biological characteristics.

Before a football match against Mali, the Israeli national anthem was booed by the fans. During the game, the Israeli footballers were also repeatedly booed every time they touched the ball. Such incidents can be seen as an example of fans’ attitudes towards Israel’s actions as a state. Furthermore, conflicts between fans occurred in the stands, requiring intervention from security personnel.

During a group stage football match of the Olympic tournament between Paraguay and Israel, individuals dressed in black clothing with their faces covered under masks began chanting anti-Israeli slogans. The French prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation into the incident as a case of racial discrimination.

The police also began an investigation into death threats received by three Israeli athletes. Cybercrime investigators are investigating the publication of personal data of Israeli athletes on social media.

Before the start of the Olympics in Paris, a memorial march was held for Ukrainian athletes killed in the war – its participants walked through the city wearing T-shirts with the names of 488 deceased athletes.

At the same time, it is reported that at least 10 out of 15 Russian athletes accredited by the IOC to participate in the Olympics in a neutral status do not meet the neutrality criteria and support the war in Ukraine in one form or another – they performed in the temporarily occupied Crimea after 2014, participated in propaganda events and tournaments, have ties with the military and Russian special services, and publicly advocated for war on social media.

Military conflicts and wars have a significant impact on the atmosphere and values of major sporting events, when sport becomes not only a platform for uniting people, but also reflects conflicts in the world.

The representative of the refugee team, Manizha Talash, was disqualified from the first Olympic breakdancing competition in history after she wore a coat with the inscription “Free Afghan Women” during her preliminary qualification battle with India Sardjoe. The WDSF issued a statement saying that she “was disqualified for displaying a political slogan on her attire during the Pre-Qualifier battle.” The decision taken by the federation reflects a strict approach to enforcing neutrality, even when athletes use their platform to raise awareness of human rights.

One of the most popular photos of these Olympics was a selfie taken on the podium by athletes from South and North Korea – symbolizing sport’s ability to unite people. However, North Korean tennis players Kim Kum-yong and Ri Jong-sik underwent “ideological scrutiny” in their home country and may be punished.

Nemanja Majdov, a multiple world and European champion, said that the IJF punished him with a five-month suspension for “violating religious protocols”,  for crossing himself before a fight. Demonstration of religious gestures is prohibited at the Olympics. However, such decisions often provoke discussions and disputes on the contradiction to the fundamental human right to freedom of conscience and religion.

Athlete Rebecca Cheptegei finished 44th in the marathon. Upon returning home to Kenya, during a conflict, her former partner poured gasoline on her and set her on fire – a few days later, Cheptegei died in the hospital due to organ failure. This is not the first case of  female athletes being murdered in Kenya, where one of the highest rates of violence against women in Africa is registered. The memory of Rebecca Cheptegei was honored at the closing ceremony of the Olympics. The announcer called the runner a “victim of gender-based violence.”

One of the inspiring stories of the Olympic Games was the performance of a fencer Nada Hafez, who won her first individual women’s sabre fencing match while seven months pregnant.

Team GB released a statement: “Nine mothers, eight medals: the powerhouse of Team GB.” The British Olympic Association (BOA) talked about the record number of mothers who participated in the Olympics this year and the impact of UK Sport’s pregnancy guidance. The athletes shared their experiences in an article in The Guardian. For example, judoka Nekoda Smythe-Davis said that after giving birth, she was contacted by the UK Institute of Sport and told that there were several other women who were pregnant or had just given birth, and they offered to form a WhatsApp group so they could talk and get support if they faced difficulties. Such practices and results are evidence that athletes do not have to make a difficult choice between career and motherhood if sports organizations and federations are willing to provide them with the necessary support at all levels.

Noah Lyles, a US sprinter, openly shared details about his health conditions after winning the gold medal in the 100m race: “I have asthma, allergies, dyslexia, ADD, anxiety, and depression. But I will tell you that what you have does not define what you can become.” Later, Lyles participated in the 200m race with a positive COVID-19 test.

Stephen Nedoroscik, a US gymnast who won two bronze medals, talked about his vision problems, thereby drawing attention to the disease and inspiring the next generation of athletes. The gymnast’s diagnosis is strabismus (or crossed eyes) and coloboma. “It’s “amazing” to see how much attention and awareness the elite gymnast is bringing to eye conditions and treatment options,” said Dr. Dean Cestari in an article in Today.

Suni Lee, a US gymnastics team member, spoke about her struggle with kidney disease over the past year before the Olympics. “It was me proving to myself that I can overcome hard things, and to hopefully inspire others to never let life’s setbacks stop you from going after your dreams,” Lee said.

An important role in preparing the US women’s national team athletes for the Olympics was played by the golden retriever Beacon (officially certified as the “Goodest Boy”) – a therapy dog who helped the gymnasts manage their serotonin levels and stress. However, Beacon is just a part of the USA Gymnastics mental health program. The initiative also includes mindfulness sessions and a team of therapists who are available to work with athletes.

Simone Biles, the most decorated Olympic gymnast in US history, believes that her participation in the Olympics this year was primarily due to regular therapy sessions. Due to mental health issues, Biles withdrew from the team events at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Later, she explained that she faced a psychological disconnect between the body and mind during the performance (the “twisties”). Biles tried to get herself back in shape, starting small, working hard for a long time, and prioritizing her mental health. The fact that an elite athlete shared her experience helps reduce the stigma around mental health and therapy.

The general perception that athletes must be absolutely healthy both physically and mentally is deeply rooted in the culture of sports. However, this ideal is increasingly being challenged by the athletes themselves, who openly share their struggles. This helps dismantle harmful stereotypes that athletes should be “superhumans”, and allows for a more inclusive discussion about their overall well-being. 

For the first time in history, three black female gymnasts – Simone Biles, Jordan Chiles, and Rebeca Andrade – stood on the Olympic gymnastics podium. As Andrade stepped up to receive the gold medal for floor exercise, Chiles and Biles decided to bow on either side of the champion, demonstrating respect and sports solidarity. Andrade shared: “There were three black women there representing so many things. <…> I think it wasn’t just a tribute to me, but to all the girls, women and people who had worked so hard to show that it’s possible – that it can happen, that we deserve to be there.”

FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee fined the Canadian women’s national team for violating the rules. The coaching staff used a drone to observe the training of the New Zealand national team, which was considered unauthorised surveillance. Such actions are not only a violation of sports rules, but also an infringement on the rights to privacy.

Ecuador, which sent 14 participants to the Paralympics, was accused by the national oversight group of aiding and financing a corrupt group that allegedly sent non-disabled athletes to the Games. The group  claims that athletes who previously participated in the Olympics later took part in Paralympic competitions.

Some triathletes expressed dissatisfaction with the conditions of the Seine swim, particularly noting the high level of water contamination. “They didn’t think about the athletes at all. Here they thought more about the stage, the image, about making everything look beautiful and being able to sell the idea of the Seine, which the Paris Games wanted from the very opening, and they didn’t think at all about the health of the athletes,” said Miriam Casillas.

Ahead of the surfing competitions in Tahiti, controversy continued. The reason was the decision to build a large-scale tower for the judges. Eco-activists expressed concern about the impact of construction, particularly drilling, on coral reefs and fragile ecosystems. After a petition was created and protests took place, the Olympic Organizing Committee and the government of French Polynesia, as a compromise, offered to build a more compact structure. Activists were not fully satisfied with this decision, but ultimately the organizers presented a temporary collapsible tower, which was installed exclusively for the duration of the competitions.

Although the Olympics serve as a global arena for showcasing the best sports results, they also reveal deeper problems related to sexism, freedom of expression, discrimination, the right to physical and mental health, and even the environment. The Games not only offer a platform for athletic excellence, but also help amplify the voices of those who advocate for equality and human rights.

Racism in sports

FIFA introduced a new gesture against racism at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. The global gesture of crossed arms as a signal of racist abuse will become part of the football protocol after its implementation in the tournament. Using the gesture, players will be able to signal the referee, who in turn will initiate a three-step procedure: stop, suspend, and abandon the match.

The same innovation was adopted by La Liga together with the Spanish Football Federation. The specific gesture will be included in the Protocol of Action protocol public incidents. The decision is aimed at strengthening the joint effort fight racism.

WBC decided to suspend boxer Ryan Garcia for racist comments he made on social media. Garcia apologized, but his promoter Oscar De La Hoya believes this is only the beginning of the path to rebuilding the trust and respect of those who continue to support him. Earlier, Garcia shared about his ongoing mental health struggles over several years.

The Argentine national team players sang a song after winning the Copa America final, which, according to the  French Football Federation(FFF), contained “racist and discriminatory remarks”. The Argentine team management refused to issue an apology. FIFA has launched an investigation.

Arsenal FC has decided to ban 24 supporters from home and away games for offensive behavior. Most incidents occurred at the Emirates home stadium – including racism, homophobia, offensive chanting, sexual harassment, with three individuals also being suspended for online violations. Online discrimination against representatives of football clubs is a common occurrence in the current reality, where anonymous users can directly message club players.

At the same time, the Arsenal FC community gathered at Emirates Stadium to celebrate the release of the book “Black Arsenal”, which explores the history and influence of black club representatives – players, fans, and managers.

Club Brugge KV also identified 24 supporters who made a racist gesture at one of the matches and initiated a stadium ban procedure against them. Additionally, the club is collaborating with police about potential further steps. “Club emphasizes that there is no place for misbehavior within the Blue-Black family and that it will continue to take proactive action against people who are not worthy of wearing our Club colors,” the Brugge statement reads.

Privat Mbarga, a Bali United player, stated: “When people call me a monkey, it takes away the joy of being a footballer.” After repeatedly being a victim of racist online abuse, he met with two individuals responsible for the abuse, shared his experience, and stated that he believes education in this area can lead to a meaningful change.

Kick It Out reports a record-high number of discriminatory incidents in the 2023/24 season. This involves racism, sexism, and religious abuse. On average, the number of incidents increased by 32%, with reports of racism specifically rising by 47%. There is a positive trend – more individuals are reporting discrimination when they witness it.

The Executive Director of the Leagues Managers Association (LMA), Richard Bevan, stated that there is a “ systematic bias” in the recruitment of head coaches, which contributes to a lack of racial diversity among head coaches in the country. “It is important the game strives to remove bias from, and increase transparency in, recruitment. Only by doing so can access to employment be a truly level playing field.” To understand the relevance of this issue, it’s worth noting that currently, among 92 clubs in the four highest tiers of English football, there are only two Black head coaches: Nuno Espírito Santo at Nottingham Forest FC in the Premier League and Darren Moore at Port Vale FC in the fourth division.

Racism remains a deeply ingrained problem in sports, affecting players, fans, management, and other industry representatives. Continuous education, active institutional a accountability, and commitment to diversity and inclusivity are crucial in combating systemic racism in sports, both on and off the field.

Safety, security, and service during sport events

In Brazil, during a conflict after a match, police shot and injured a goalkeeper. The player received medical assistance on-site due to heavy bleeding and was taken to the hospital. The club issued a statement condemning the use of force, and the police have begun investigating the incident.

Eleven people were injured due to an escalator malfunction after a Brewers match. Such incidents arise from insufficient maintenance, outdated infrastructure, and lack of strict safety checks. As stadiums and sports facilities become larger and more complex, the need for regular inspections and upgrades becomes increasingly important to prevent accidents. Clear evacuation procedures, strict safety protocols, and the use of modern monitoring technologies for stadium management can help mitigate risks. 

Chelsea FC’s women’s team decided to stop giving autographs and taking photos with fans after matches at Kingsmeadow stadium due to concerns about players’ safety. With the growing popularity of women’s football and increasing numbers of fans, such activities have become logistically challenging and potentially compromising player safety.

Safety at sporting events is becoming an increasingly important issue as their scale and popularity grow. Athletes and fans, and event staff, find themselves in vulnerable positions. Proactive measures are crucial – from training security personnel and proper crowd control to ensuring stadium infrastructure meets more safety standards. Sports organizations must prioritize the well-being of athletes and fans to create a secure and inclusive environment for everyone.

Right to health

Players and football unions continue to speak out about the excessive demands of them competition calendar.

Phil Foden and Julián Alvarez, Manchester City FC footballers, played over 70 matches each this season. The EURO-2024 final was the 60th match for 16-year-old Lamine Yamal.

“UEFA, FIFA and the federations should consider that a player cannot play 60 games a year. <…> It’s an unfeasible calendar – we can’t keep up the level by playing every three days,” Dani Carvajal stated. Erling Haaland agrees with this opinion: “We can try, but it’s difficult to be sharp if you play over 70 games a year.” Rodrigo Hernández claimed that players are close to striking due to match overload, and Alisson Becker believes that players’ opinions are not considered when creating the calendar. Junior Firpo drew attention to the fact that footballers play in hot weather and on artificial pitches, which affects players’ health and well-being. FIFPRO had expressed his complaints to CONCACAF before a match, but even in this case, the player’s opinion was not prioritized.

In the upcoming 2024/25 season, players will have to compete even more matches within the expanded UEFA Champions League and the new FIFA Club World Cup. European leagues and FIFPRO plan to file a joint complaint to the European Commission against FIFA regarding the international match calendar and violations of EU antitrust legislation, believing this is the only remaining course of action to protect players’ well-being.

Overloaded competition schedules pose a significant threat to athletes’ health. The imbalance between performance demands and recovery periods leads to an increased risk of injuries and mental burnout. Players, unions, and sports organizations are increasingly raising concerns, arguing that such calendars violate their fundamental right to health and well-being. Governing bodies like UEFA and FIFA need to prioritize players’ well-being over commercial interests.

Tahnai Annis shared her experience of “post-tournament blues”. According to the footballer, this is an emotional downturn after a major competition, when there isn’t enough time to mentally process the experience, resulting in a state similar to “paralysis”. Annis believes the football industry can do more to protect players’ mental health after international competitions. Specifically, she advocates for mandatory recovery breaks and a grace period before resuming club football. Greater access to mental health professionals is an important aspect, the player believes. “The Post-Tournament Blues Guide helped me a lot personally. It’s a resource that I would like to see circulated more at clubs and national teams to generate that awareness and facilitate open conversations about it.”

FIFA and WHO are launching a global awareness campaign called Suspect and Protect about concussion prevention. During the campaign, they will discuss risks, symptoms, and warning signs of brain injuries, while providing educational materials on how to properly diagnose and manage concussions to protect players.

The fundamental right of athletes to health is increasingly threatened by intense match schedules, insufficient recovery time, and the commercial interests of sports federations, illustrated in a systematic disregard for athletes’ long-term well-being. Sports governing buddies must uphold their responsibility to protect athletes, ensuring that physical excellence doesn’t come at the expense of their health.

Other news in sports and human rights

FIFA signed an agreement to support the Homeless World Cup, which is annually organized by HWCF and aimed at supporting and inspiring homeless people to transform their lives. This decision was made in accordance with FIFA’s commitment “to improving lives worldwide through football”. FIFA will provide essential materials and equipment, including medals and cups, and will broadcast the event on FIFA+. “The Homeless World Cup is a perfect example of how football can bring people together to challenge existing social perceptions and improve people’s lives,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

The Supreme Court of Denmark ruled in favor of Danish footballers in their lawsuit against the bookmaker Bet365 for unauthorized use of their images in betting advertisements. Bet365 was found guilty of infringing image rights and must now pay €630,000 in damages. This is a significant case for privacy rights, especially regarding unauthorized use of images for commercial purposes. The decision demonstrates a practice of protecting personal data and ensuring that commercial organizations respect the confidentiality and consent of individuals, including athletes, in an increasingly digital environment.

Anwar El Ghazi, former Mainz FC player, won a case against the club over his unlawful dismissal. Previously, the club terminated his contract after he commented on the conflict between Israel and Hamas online and expressed support for Palestine. He is expected to be reinstated as a player of the German club and will seek contract termination by mutual agreement.

The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs announced a search for the former deputy head of the Moscow Anti-Doping Laboratory, Timofey Sobolevsky. The specific criminal charges against him remain unknown . However, since 2015, Sobolevsky has been living in the United States. He left together with the former laboratory head Grigory Rodchenkov, who exposed the “state system” of doping cover-up by Russian athletes at the 2014 Olympics. Foreign intelligence services accused Sobolevsky and Rodchenkov of preparing a strategy to isolate Russia from world sports.

A bill has been introduced to the Russian State Duma requiring Russian athletes to swear allegiance to the Russian Federation if they want to participate in national teams. According to the bill, such athletes must give an “Athlete’s Oath” that includes a phrase about the need to “remain loyal to Russia”. Legal experts warn that this could allow authorities to pressure athletes and restrict their ability to compete internationally.

In London, an installation was unveiled honoring 487 athletes killed  in Russia’s war against Ukraine. The memorial highlights the devastating impact of war on sports and serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of conflict. This intersection of war and sports demonstrates the crucial role sports can play in raising awareness of global humanitarian issues.

LGBTQ+ athletes from Russia shared experiences of homophobia in sports. They described how coaches forced them to apologize for their orientation, how colleagues set up fake dates with gay people to rob or assault them, and the difficult choices between personal life and career they faced. Since late 2023 “International LGBT Movement” has been recognized as extremist in Russia, its “propaganda” is prohibited, and community members face persecution.

The Netherlands Football Federation (KNVB) will discuss abolishing offside calls in amateur leagues to reduce pressure on assistant referees who face heavy criticism after controversial decisions. Sometimes such decisions result in match interruptions. For example, in 2023, 1,864 matches were stopped – 11% more than the previous year. Over the past five years, the number of incidents has increased by 58%. Violence against referees can potentially lead to fatal outcomes.

Borussia Dortmund fans protested the club’s sponsorship with weapons manufacturer Rheinmetall during the first Bundesliga match against Eintracht Frankfurt. They hung banners reading: “Money first, values second!”, “20 million full of blood” and “No values? No morality?” A condemnatory statement was published on the Südtribüne Dortmund fan club website.

Tariq Lamptey donated robotics kits to Achievers Ghana, an organization promoting technological education for girls. The initiative aims to empower schoolgirls’ confidence and inspire them to pursue STEM careers, which remain predominantly male. Lamptey’s initiative demonstrates the positive influence athletes can have beyond sports, driving social change and fostering inclusivity.

Forest Green Rovers partnered with #showyourstripes and biodiversity stripes to introduce new kits that are designed to raise awareness about rapid climate warming. The kits will include a design inspired by warming stripes (illustrating the growth of global average temperature since 1850) and biodiversity stripes (showing wildlife loss since 1970).