What We Do
We harness the collective strength of our partners to catalyze sport’s unique potential for social impact. We represent and engage with athletes, fans, workers, journalists, grassroots organizations and communities most impacted by the human rights risks of sport – especially women, LGBTI+ people, people of color, survivors of abuse, and youth.
Raising the bar for sport, human rights and transparency
Engaging directly with the International Olympic Committee, FIFA and other sport bodies, we advocate for the rights and participation of impacted people at the highest levels of sport decision-making. Through campaigns and movement building, we leverage sport’s massive, passionate audience to drive global awareness, apply strategic pressure, and propel social change.
How we work
Research
We monitor and investigate human rights abuses and corruption, identify risks, and share information with partners and the public.
Mobilize
We organise solidarity and direct actions, participate in protests, engage with survivors’ groups, liaise with constituencies, and coordinate national groups.
Campaign
We engage the media and use our own channels to expose harm, build public pressure and leverage, and raise awareness.
Advocate
We foster engagement, represent and ensure participation of affected people and survivors, propose policy, and recommend legal or industrial action.
Bargain
We negotiate and enforce global agreements with sport governing bodies with respect to embedding human rights in sports.
Our theory of change
By harnessing, organizing, and amplifying the work of our partners, we will create systemic change at multiple levels in the world of sport.
Latest News
- “It’s often still dangerous for athletes to speak out.”
Workshop Recap: Athletes as Human Rights Defenders The Athletes Network for Safer Sports held a workshop on June 27th on the topic of “Athletes as Human Rights Defenders.” Moderated by Network Coordinator Joanna Maranhão, the session explored what athletes face when they speak up for human rights and what practical measures should be put in… Read more: “It’s often still dangerous for athletes to speak out.” - US: FIFA Cancels Anti-Bias Messaging for Club World Cup
Soccer Governing Body Action For US Tournament Bodes Ill For 2026 World Cup (New York) – The global soccer governing body FIFA’s reported decision to cancel previously planned additional anti-racism and anti-discrimination messaging at Club World Cup venues in the United States signals a human rights risk for FIFA’s upcoming 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico, the Dignity… Read more: US: FIFA Cancels Anti-Bias Messaging for Club World Cup - Algeria: French sports journalist Christophe Gleizes sentenced to seven years in prison after over a year under a judicial control order
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemns the court of Tizi Ouzou’s decision to sentence French football journalist Christophe Gleizes to seven years in prison with immediate incarceration. Arrested and held under a judicial control order since 28 May 2024, he has now been unjustly convicted and imprisoned for simply doing his job. He will appeal the… Read more: Algeria: French sports journalist Christophe Gleizes sentenced to seven years in prison after over a year under a judicial control order