List of acronyms

• МАК – Міжнародный алімспійскі камітэт
• DFD – Deutscher Fußball-Bund
• FA – English Football Association
• FFK – Federata e Futbollit e Kosovës
• FIA – Federation Internationale de l’Automobile
• FIFA – Fédération Internationale de Football Association
• FIFPRO – The Fédération Internationale des Associations de Footballeurs Professionnels
• FRF – Federația Română de Fotbal
• IBU – International Biathlon Union
• IOC – International Olympic Committee
• NCAA – National Collegiate Athletics Association
• NHL – National Hockey League
• UEFA – The Union of European Football Associations
• UN – United Nations
• WDF – World Darts Federation
• WSL – Women’s Super League

Introduction

In this document, we analyzed the most significant events and news in sports from October to December 2024 through the lens of international human rights standards.

For Belarus, the issue of (non)admission of athletes to international competitions remains relevant. In this area, it is necessary to define a unified approach and clear admission criteria that comprehensively consider athletes’ rights while also acknowledging Belarus’s participation in Russia’s war against Ukraine. The de facto authorities of Belarus continue to pursue a practice of persecuting industry representatives who disagree with the regime. Thus, in Belarus, systematic human rights violations in sports persist, which in turn leads to industry stagnation and requires consistent efforts to ensure and protect universal human rights.

During the analyzed period, we observe a trend toward greater support for women’s rights in sports through increased funding, visibility, and access, as well as adoption of relevant policies, and creation of initiatives. This contributes to ensuring human rights to fair and equal working conditions, health, and non-discrimination.

A critically important approach involves issues of inclusion and equality. We can observe how players, fans, and other sporting event participants can be both victims of racism and other forms of discrimination and their sources. LGBTQ+ community representatives continue to face discrimination and persecution. In this area, it is extremely important to increase the visibility of representatives from vulnerable groups and provide education to overcome stereotypes, enabling everyone in the sports world to feel safe and free.

The issue of mental health remains relevant. More athletes are speaking out  about the importance of mental health care and helping to overcome stigma. This confirms the significance of mental health as an integral part of athletes’ well-being, alongside physical condition. Support must be ensured at all levels and through the efforts of all stakeholders – players themselves, fans, and especially sports federations and organizations through the implementation of  practices and policies to protect the right to health.

One of the significant themes is safety at sporting events. Several tragic incidents underscore the importance of ensuring the protection of health, safety, and life for both players and spectators. Insufficient preparedness and lack of response from authorities remind us of the need to align event conditions with fundamental international documents in this area to guarantee the right to health, safety, and life through the efforts of organizers and states.

Notable examples include efforts by sports clubs and brands that use their popularity and resources to support social initiatives. Releasing football uniforms to support cancer fighting, helping disaster victims, or engaging in other humanitarian actions demonstrates the significance of sports as a platform for promoting social values. In this context, sports uniforms become not only a symbol of team identity but also a powerful tool for positive societal change and drawing attention to important issues.

During the analyzed period, we also noted ongoing discussions about the overload of the football competition calendar and tournament conditions falling to meet human rights standards, efforts to ensure diversity at various levels in sports, the fight against hate speech, and club’s initiatives to support fans. Against the backdrop of these changes, it becomes increasingly evident that sports cannot and should not remain isolated from social processes. It is important for sports to continue developing as an inclusive and equitable sphere that contributes to progress in matters of equality, justice, and human rights.

Human Rights in Sports in Belarus

The head coach of “Neman” Igor Kavalevich spoke about his approach to managing the club: “There should be no scum in the team. The old guard forms the collective. I support and welcome healthy hazing. I myself went through the Soviet army school.” Such an outdated and harsh management approach contradicts the principles of human dignity and equality enshrined in international human rights standards and contributes to a culture of discrimination and suppression of individuality.

Footballer Andrei Salavey was sentenced to 2 years of “home chemistry” under Article 342 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus (organizing and preparing actions that grossly violate public order, or active participation in them). Later, he was added to the list of Belarusians, foreign citizens, and stateless persons involved in extremist activities. The criminal prosecution of Andrei Salavey is an example of ongoing systematic pressure on sports industry representatives expressing disagreement with the current regime in the country and a blatant violation of the rights to freedom of expression and assembly.

Journalist and founder of the free association of Belarusian athletes SOS BY Andrei Hnet was released after the threat of extradition from Serbia to Belarus. Previously, he was detained in Belgrade at the request of the Belarusian Interpol bureau in connection with a criminal case. Hnet was evacuated from Serbia to the EU.

Earlier, Hnet’s Instagram account was included in the republican list of “extremist” materials.

The release of Andrei Hnet and the prevention of his extradition became an example of successful protection of the right to liberty and security, enshrined in Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

In the third round of the Conference League stage, “Dynamo-Minsk” met with Legia Warszawa. After the match, Legia fans issued a statement supporting Belarusians whose stadium security confiscated banners against the regime and dictatorship: “There are topics that should be beyond disagreement – the struggle for fundamental values, as expressed by guests at the stadium in Poland, because at home they would have ended up in a colony for such banners. <…> Yesterday’s behavior of the club is a tragedy and a shame.”

Legia fans also displayed banners and chanted slogans against the regime in Belarus. UEFA fined the club €17,500, arguing that the posters “did not correspond to the nature of the sporting event.”

The support of Polish fans in defending fundamental rights demonstrated international solidarity with Belarusians facing repression. UEFA’s decision to impose a fine was in line  with the union’s disciplinary rules but contradicted  the principles of non-discrimination and freedom of expression.

IBU stated that they would not lift the ban on Belarusian and Russian biathletes until the end of the war in Ukraine. IBU competition rules also do not provide for the possibility of athletes participating under a neutral status.

In turn, World Aquatics allowed Belarusian and Russian athletes to participate in international competitions in team disciplines (relays, group disciplines in synchronized swimming, synchronized diving). To participate, athletes must confirm and  adhere to their neutral status.

The decisions of IBU and World Aquatics illustrate different approaches to the participation of athletes from countries involved in the conflict. Although a total  ban on competition participation deprives athletes of the opportunity to realize their potential at the highest level, it is a predictable response to widespread human rights violations in the country and   war involvement. Meanwhile, allowing athletes under  neutral status provides them with a limited  opportunity to compete and helps mitigate Belarusian sport’s international isolation.

The described examples testify to ongoing political repression and restrictions of fundamental freedoms in Belarus. Punishment for expressing an opinion, persecution of athletes, journalists, and other representatives of the sports industry contradicts the main international human rights standards, including the right to freedom of expression and assembly, the right to work, and protection from discrimination.

Women’s Rights in Sports

Against the backdrop of a breast cancer battle, Katie Schumacher-Cawley made history – leading Penn State University to victory in the NCAA Women’s Volleyball Championship for the first time since 2014.

Allie Coyle became the first woman to lead a men’s football team to the Maryland State Championship title. Players supported the coach, stating that for women, this is a “step in the right direction.”

In Formula 1, while all engineers on the team radio  can communicate by general convention, male engineers speak during races. Laura Mueller will be the first female racing engineer in F1 history to give all instructions to the driver and have her voice broadcast in radio communications.

Such examples confirm the trend of challenging gender stereotypes in sports. These steps promote gender equality as enshrined in the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and underscore the importance of creating equal opportunities for women, a fundamental human rights principle.

The women’s derby in Milan was held for the first time at San Siro Stadium. As women’s football popularity grows worldwide, women’s teams are receiving increasing funding and support, including the opportunity to play at main stadiums. This is a significant step towards greater visibility for both Milanese club players and Italian women’s football as a whole.

For the first time, all WSL and Women’s Championship matches were held at  each club’s main stadiums. The WSL achieved record attendance in the previous season, with an increase in matches at main stadiums playing a significant role.

Brighton will begin construction of England’s first women-specific stadium in 2026. The club received building approval in 2023, becoming the first English club and one of the few worldwide to implement such an initiative.

Thus, we can observe growing support for women’s sports. Such decisions improve women’s access to better playing conditions, increase their visibility, and strengthen their right to participate in public life.

UEFA increased the EURO 2025 women’s prize fund by 156% (€41m). For comparison, the 2017 prize fund was €8m. Despite this significant decision supporting the development of  European women’s football, the women’s prize fund remains significantly lower than the men’s fund, which stands  at €300m.

WSL signed a record-breaking broadcast deal for WSL and Women’s Championship with Sky and BBC, worth £65m for 5 years (60% more than the previous agreement). This is the largest broadcasting partnership in English women’s football history.

Netflix acquired exclusive rights to broadcast the Women’s World Cup in 2027 and 2031 in the USA. The agreement is the most significant ever signed by the global football governing body with a streaming platform for a major tournament, particularly notable because World Cups are traditionally broadcast on free public networks to reach the largest global audience. Netflix also plans to release a documentary series about women’s football.

Record-breaking broadcast deals and increased prize funds contribute to the growth and financial stability of women’s sports enhancing visibility and economic security for female athletes. However, the disparity in  prize funds highlights   the need for further actions to achieve pay equality and ensure equal access to financial resources. 

The FA launched a new coaching initiative to increase diversity in women’s football. The program offers internships to six emerging coaches from marginalized communities, implemented in partnership with six FA Women’s National League clubs.

Such programs are crucial for removing barriers, expanding sports opportunities. They also  align with the principles of equality and non-discrimination enshrined in international standards, including the Convention against Discrimination in Education.

The DFB adopted support policies for pregnant players and mothers in accordance with  FIFA recommendations. FIFA regulations establish a global standard for protecting female  players’ working conditions. The DFB joined other federations and clubs in  implementing support programs for pregnant players and mothers. Such measures ensure fair working conditions for women and set a precedent for other sports organizations.

Her Sport launched the “Do It For Her” campaign. The campaign aims to help every girl and woman feel included in sports and have the same opportunities as their male colleagues, using sports’ power to unlock potential. According to Her Sport, 50% of girls drop out of  sports by age 20, while 94% of women in leadership roles previously played sports. Sports are not only a means of personal growth but also a tool for reducing gender inequality, making such programs essential  for strengthening women’s rights and increasing female participation in  sports.

Toronto Sceptres organized an event honoring Erica Howe, a Canadian professional hockey player fighting breast cancer – collaborating with Bravado Designs, they donated $60,000 worth of bras to women’s shelters across Toronto.

Michele Kang, an entrepreneur and owner of multiple sports teams, made a historic philanthropic investment in women’s and girls’ football programs – pledging $30m to   US Soccer over the next 5 years. Kang’s investment will expand competitive opportunities for young players, stimulate professional growth for athletes, coaches, and female  referees. “I am committed to raising the standard of excellence in women’s soccer – both on and off the pitch – by delivering the resources female athletes need to reach their full potential and surround them with the professional support they deserve,” Kang commented. Such investments create new opportunities for female athletes, strengthening their right to equal access to professional development.

Women in sports continue to achieve historic milestones, demonstrating progress in closing the gender gap. Supporting women’s sports through financial backing, infrastructure improvements, and ensuring fair and equal working conditions strengthens women’s rights by key international human rights agreements. 

Rights of LGBTQ+ people in sports

Chelsea FC condemned homophobic comments directed at Samantha Kerr after she announced that she and Kristie Mewis are expecting a child. “In Chelsea Pride, we stand against any act of homophobia with unwavering strength and passion. <…> This is our game, our club, and our unwavering commitment: Hate will never win here. We will always stand for love, unity, and an inclusive future for football,” states the club’s statement.

The club’s response highlights the importance of actively condemning discrimination. Such statements promote inclusion and create a safe space for LGBTQ+ athletes.

Barbra Banda, a footballer playing for Orlando Pride, won the BBC’s “Women’s Footballer of the Year” award. Despite being a cisgender woman, she faced accusations – allegedly the award was given to a trans woman, and the BBC nomination was “a deliberate attempt to troll cis women”. This misinformation spread rapidly online. The false accusations against Barbra Banda illustrate the problem of bias and high levels of disinformation towards women and LGBTQ+ athletes, contradicting the principle of equality and violating the right to protection from discrimination and privacy interference.  

ADF International issued an open letter to the IOC signed by over 40,000 people, calling for “protecting women’s sports” and expressing concerns about presumed pressure due to allowing trans women to participate in women’s categories. The letter claims: “Men and women are different. Their physical differences give men athletic advantages in sports. Scientific research continues to acknowledge this reality.” According to a UN Special Rapporteur report on violence against women and girls, women “lost” over 890 medals in 29 sports to trans women.

Darts player Deta Hedman called on social media to ban transgender players from participating in women’s competitions. She stated it was difficult playing against trans women and that the decision to allow them to compete was “wrong since day one”. Hedman’s statement was a reaction to Victoria Monaghan’s participation in the WDF World Championship women’s tournament. Previously, transgender darts player Noa-Lynn van Leuven expressed concerns about her exclusion from women’s tournaments following a vote by WDF member organizations on the issue. 

However, “physical differences” are not the sole criterion for athletic advantages. Currently, research definitively proving trans women’s absolute advantage is lacking. Excluding transgender athletes contributes to stigmatization and violates the fundamental right to sports participation. Sports must be a safe space for everyone without exception, ensuring  equal access and recognition for trans individuals .

LGBTQ+ community representatives continue to face discrimination and exclusion in sports. Creating an inclusive sports environment requires consistent efforts, such as public support for athletes, active condemnation of discrimination, and the development of fair and transparent procedures and policies. Efforts to combat homophobia and transphobia in sports are essential to ensure equal access and opportunities for all athletes, recognizing their dignity and right to self-identification.

Racism and Other Forms of Discrimination

Arsenal FC banned a fan, Charles Ogunmilade, from attending all club matches for 3 years after he posted an offensive message on X about Thomas Partey. Ogunmilade was also ordered to pay a fine and court costs totaling £260. The fan, who is Black himself, claimed  his post was  meant as  “satire of what a racist white person would say”.

During the Ladies Cup, Candela Diaz from River Plate made several monkey gestures at a ball boy. The footballer resorted to insults after the boy suggested to the referee which Argentinian player should be sent off for a rule violation. Diaz was arrested along with 3 teammates. Players from the opposing team Grêmio left the field in protest. Later, the Ladies Cup suspended River Plate from the tournament for 2 years.

Kosovo national team players walked off the field minutes before the match ended after  Romanian fans displayed a Serbian flag and used pro-Serbian chants. UEFA’s Appeals Body fined FRF €128,000 and ordered the stadium to be closed for the next match due to  racist and/or discriminatory fan behavior and other violations. The match was declared forfeited by FFK.

In their statement, FRF mentioned that a previous UEFA Disciplinary Committee decision on a similar incident clearly indicated that the slogan “Kosovo is Serbia” cannot be classified as racist and therefore cannot initiate the three-stage procedure.

Discriminatory manifestations can threaten fundamental principles of fairness and equality. Given the lack of a unified approach in interpreting such manifestations by authorized organizations, developing clear, transparent, and strict standards for applying sanctions is necessary.

Leeds United fans sang an anti-Palestinian song supporting Israeli player Manor Solomon during a match with Stoke City F.C. Leeds United condemned the fans’ behavior: “Discriminatory language or chanting is not acceptable and supporters could be breaking the law.”

A minute of silence before the Rot-Weiss Essen – VfB Stuttgart match was interrupted by a fan’s shout “Germany for Germans”. The stadium responded with the slogan: “Nazis out!” The fans’ reaction demonstrates the power of solidarity and confirms the importance of an active stance by spectators and all industry representatives in creating an inclusive, hate-free environment.

Racism and other forms of discrimination remain a pressing issue in sports. Such incidents underscore the importance of adopting clear and comprehensible rules, with active intervention from all stakeholders – sports organizations, federations, players, fans, and other industry representatives. Taking measures in response to discrimination contributes to protecting principles of equality and human dignity.

Right to Health

Brian Graham, head coach of women’s Patrick Thistle and men’s club captain, has called  for improved mental health support in professional football. He emphasized that football has a hidden side that remains unseen by others. He also admitted that players need support, and a safe space, and that while people have become more open about mental health, stigma still persists. Mental health problems can harm players’ careers just as much as physical issues. Graham believes it’s necessary to raise awareness about available help and ensure specialists are present in every club, though this may be challenging, especially in smaller clubs. “As a manager and captain, I see it as my role to be a rock for everyone else in the changing room, and I will always pick up the phone for someone that needs to talk.”

CJ Stroud emotionally reacted to his teammate Tank Dell’s injury during the Houston Texans – Kansas City Chiefs match. Later, he shared how vulnerable it felt to experience such a moment in front of the world and stated he was proud of not hiding his emotions. Stroud emphasized the importance of being open, especially for new generations who might be taught to suppress emotional vulnerability, highlighting that everyone can face life’s difficulties.

Former professional footballer Jonatan Tollas Nation helps young players through a mental state training app. Mindbuddy was developed with a sports psychologist and technology experts. “I want to make people understand the value of mental training, as I think there is a big misconception in sports surrounding this issue,” Nation said. Currently, the app is being tested in three clubs among 180 football academy players in Norway.

Mental health support in sports is becoming an increasingly important topic. More people, including coaches and players, recognize that athletes’ mental state is as crucial as their physical condition. Initiatives aimed at improving mental health awareness play a key role in supporting athletes’ well-being. It’s important for sports organizations to continue developing these practices, eliminating stigma and creating conditions for comprehensive health care.

Safety, Protection, and Service During Sporting Events

A lightning strike during a match between Juventud Bellavista and Familia Chocca killed footballer Hugo De La Cruz in Peru; he died on the way to the hospital. 5 other players were injured and hospitalized. The game was stopped after the first lightning strike, but a second strike hit players as they were leaving the field. Responsibility for safety at sporting events lies with organizers and authorities who must anticipate risks such as weather conditions. A timely match suspension could have prevented the tragedy. The Council of Europe Convention on Sports Safety emphasizes the importance of protecting participants, fans, and others present. In this case, the tragic incident resulted from a lack of preparation and an inadequate emergency response system.

Before and after the AFC Ajax – Maccabi Tel Aviv FC match, riots occurred in Amsterdam among fans with both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli positions. Fans used various slogans, tore down the flags on the streets, and engaged in violence. Although police arrested over 60 people, they failed to prevent or stop violence during the conflict. Later, 4 men were sentenced to up to 6 months in prison, and another man received community service. Riots could have been prevented through better crowd management and more proactive measures to protect all participants.

According to human rights organizations, a stampede at a football stadium in Guinea, ruled by a military junta, resulted in over 135 deaths, mostly children. The official death toll is 65. Justice Minister Yaya Kaïraba Kaba stated that anyone spreading “unverified or malicious information” would be arrested and held accountable. The deadly incident occurred after a controversial referee decision that led to violence. Police responded with tear gas towards those trying to flee. Human rights activists also reported that vehicles carrying officials leaving the stadium ran over citizens attempting to escape.
Insufficient preparation and inadequate emergency response led to the tragedy. In such a situation, authorities should prioritize helping victims, not fighting “unverified” information. Such inaction undoubtedly violates fundamental human rights – the right to life, health, and safety. Event organizers, authorities, and law enforcement must ensure appropriate standards and practices established in international documents.

Crystal Palace became the first football club worldwide to offer permanent assistive technologies for fans with visual impairments. The Give Vision headset uses a private 5G network at Selhurst Park, broadcasting the game in real-time and ensuring no important events are missed. The headset works by stimulating photoreceptor cells in the retina. Future plans include expanding this technology in other Premier League clubs. This is an important step towards inclusivity and accessibility for all fans, highlighting the significance of technologies that enable equal and full participation in public life.

These examples highlight the critical need  for  comprehensive safety measures to protect all sporting event participants from potential threats. International norms, such as The Council of Europe Convention on an Integrated Safety, Security and Service Approach During Sporting Events, play a crucial role in protecting fundamental human rights at sports stadiums.

Sports Uniforms and Human Rights

Adidas and Bayern Munich’s women’s team, in collaboration with LeGer, presented a special uniform kit to raise awareness about breast cancer and its prevention. The proceeds from kit sales and fundraising will be directed to the German Breast Cancer Society.

Levante UD released a uniform kit to support flood relief workers in Valencia. The shirts are available for sale, with proceeds going to help those affected.

Valencia CF played in black uniforms in a match against Real Betis as a sign of mourning for the deceased and solidarity with those affected. The uniform included special messages reminding people of the need for assistance. The club, together with MatchWornShirt, also launched a charity auction selling jerseys. All proceeds will be donated to help children affected by the flood, supporting their return to sports and education.

Fontaines DC partnered with Bohemian FC to release a new football kit and raise funds for Palestine, specifically for Medical Aid For Palestinians.

Grenfell Athletic’s new uniform, created in collaboration with Nike and Kitlocker, is made from fabric donated from clothing that survived the Grenfell fire. Non-local club supporters also contributed, including footballer Hector Bellerin and performer Louis Tomlinson, who donated parts of their shirts.

Cole Palmer and Central Cee launched Chelsea FC’s Christmas campaign against homelessness in London. The “Wrap Up Warm” campaign encourages fans, players, and staff to donate warm clothing to local charities, supporting the most vulnerable populations during the temperature drop in the holiday season.

Using sports uniforms to support important social initiatives highlights the growing understanding of how sports can serve as a tool for positive societal changes. Sports clubs and brands contribute not only to drawing attention to global issues, but also offer practical support to those in need, going beyond commercial interests. These initiatives demonstrate that sports can and should serve as a means to promote values of justice and support for communities  in need.

Other News in Sports and Human Rights

The Sport and Rights Alliance (SRA) called for FIFA to stop the bidding process for the 2034 World Cup (in Saudi Arabia) and demanded a credible human rights strategy for 2030 (in Morocco, Portugal, and Spain). In their report, Amnesty International and SRA assessed the proposed human rights strategies for both tournaments and concluded that neither bid sufficiently addressed human rights standards or   included proper consultation with human rights organisations. The risks in Saudi Arabia were deemed so severe that hosting the tournament there would likely result in serious and widespread human rights violations. 

These include violations of migrant workers’ rights (exploitative system, low wages, lack of unions, high mortality), suppression of freedom of speech and expression, forced evictions, discrimination against women and the LGBTQ+ community, and criminalization of extramarital and same-sex relationships. Risks for the 2030 World Cup include police use of force against crowds, improper use of rubber bullets, reduced housing availability for city residents and forced evictions, restrictions on freedom of speech and assembly, persistence of racist, sexist, homophobic abuse in football, and criminalization of same-sex relationships.

“FIFA has long claimed that it includes human rights standards when selecting its World Cup hosts and when delivering its flagship tournaments. Unless FIFA is honest about the scale and severity of the risks ahead, and acts to prevent them, it will be clear that its commitment to human rights is a sham,” said Andrea Florence, SRA’s director.

Claims made by human rights organizations raise an important question about the legality of holding tournaments in countries with a high degree of human rights violations. These observations are key to ensuring that global sporting events comply with international human rights standards beyond mere commercial gain.

Players will not have days off before the 2025 Club World Cup, as FIFA announced that teams must arrive no later than 3 days before their first tournament. The World Cup starts on June 15, and the international window ends just 5 days before their first match. In addition to the short arrival period, clubs also face fines if they do not field their strongest teams throughout the tournament.

More and more players and coaches are criticizing this rigid schedule. They report excessive pace, the danger of such workload, increased injuries, and believe that strikes remain the only way to influence the situation, with players and coaches ready to support each other.

Leading European leagues and the FIFPRO players’ union have filed a complaint with the European Commission against FIFA, which they believe constitutes an “abuse of dominant position” by the global football governing body.

The problem of an overloaded competition calendar has serious implications for the health and well-being of athletes. The constant pressure on players to meet commitments and rigid schedules jeopardizes their physical and mental well-being, which can lead to more injuries, poorer quality of play and premature career endings. This trend is an example of a violation of the human rights to health and fair working conditions and requires more attention from sports organizations. 

A new Diversity and Inclusivity Charter was agreed upon by all ten Formula 1 teams, Formula 1, and FIA. The Charter’s stated mission is to identify and remove obstacles to attracting and retaining diverse people in the workplace, improving work methods, and engaging stakeholders to stimulate innovation.

The FA will strive for diversity – they announced an intention to ensure at least 30% of the men’s national team coaching staff are Black, Asian, mixed, or of another ethnic background by 2028. Currently, this figure is 19%. They also plan that 60% of the women’s team coaching staff will be women by 2028.

Kevin He from the Winnipeg Jets became the first player of Chinese origin to sign with the NHL. Including more people of diverse backgrounds helps promote diversity, opens paths for new athletes from underrepresented groups, and contributes to improving the social atmosphere in sports.

Diversity and inclusion in sports teams are essential elements in creating a fair and equal environment. Advances in this area highlight the growing awareness of the importance of inclusive policies. It is important that sports organizations continue to move in this direction, promoting the values of equality, diversity and inclusion.

Silvan Wallner ended his football career because his religious beliefs do not allow playing football on Saturday. Wallner is a Seventh-day Adventist Church member who observes Saturday, not Sunday, as a day of rest. “I am a devout Christian and I read the Bible. I make my own decisions about my life. I wish to follow Jesus Christ, and as a result, the biblical day of rest has become important to me,” the footballer explained. Respect for players’ religious and cultural beliefs is in line with the human right to freedom of conscience and religion and must be taken into account by sports organizations, federations and clubs – in addition to making such decisions players can adapt their schedules and take these needs into account, or try to find a balance between religious observance and the demands of professional responsibilities.

FC Saint Pauli issued an official statement and announced their departure from X, as the platform is turning into a “hate machine”. “Racism and conspiracy theories are allowed to spread unchecked and even curated. Insults and threats are seldom sanctioned and are sold as freedom of speech,” the club’s statement reads.

Brentford joined the Trainline “I Came by Train” initiative and announced a 20% discount on train travel for fans attending away matches, as an alternative to cars, to make match travel more environmentally friendly.

The club have also unveiled a new ticketing scheme to keep tickets affordable for young supporters. Brentford have announced that youth team supporters traveling to a Brentford Premier League match will pay no more than £10 per match for the rest of the season as part of the Gen10 initiative.

These stories raise a broad range of issues concerning the intersection of sports and human rights, indicating that sport can be not only an arena for commerce and entertainment, but also a platform for promoting values of equality, inclusion, and human rights.