World Players: IOC’s Call with Peng Shuai Exacerbates Alarm, Special Delegation Needed

In the wake of Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai’s call with International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach, the World Players Association has released the following statement:

The World Players Association repeats its call for the urgent establishment of a special delegation of international organizations and human rights experts to meet with Peng Shuai in order to ensure and obtain the necessary guarantees for her rights, health and safety.

The International Olympic Committee’s video call has not only failed to provide the necessary assurances, it has exacerbated global alarm by raising many questions that have rightly been asked by human rights organizations including Human Rights Watch, a partner organisation of World Players in the Sport and Rights Alliance.

The IOC’s approach further exposes its hollow claims to respecting, protecting and guaranteeing the human rights of athletes. It has a long history of deliberately limiting freedom of expression for athletes and in this case appears to be prioritizing its relationship with China, over meaningfully using its leverage to support an athlete who has spoken out against sexual harassment and abuse. The lack of effective representation for athletes within the Olympic Movement has again been laid bare.

World Players shares and reiterates the ongoing concerns and calls for urgent action expressed by athletes, the Women’s Tennis Association and human rights defenders and experts for the rights, health and safety of Peng Shuai.

World Players, the leading voice of organized players in the governance of world sport, first called for a special delegation on Friday

Related news

2024 Annual Report: From Vision to Action

2024 Annual Report: From Vision to Action

Reimagining the Future for Sport & Human Rights “The past year has shed a light on the critical impact that sport has on human rights and the true depth of the fight for equity, justice and transparency. Sport was put on check as global sport governing bodies were urged to demonstrate their commitment to human […]

READ MORE

Letter to FIFA Re. Human Rights Responsibilities in 2026 World Cup

Letter to FIFA Re. Human Rights Responsibilities in 2026 World Cup

Human Rights Watch Letter to FIFA May 5, 2025 Gianni InfantinoPresidentFédération Internationale de Football AssociationFIFA-Strasse 20, P.O. Box 8044 Zurich, Switzerland Subject: FIFA’s Human Rights Responsibilities in 2026 World Cup Dear Mr. Infantino, We write to express grave concerns about the impact of current United States immigration policies on the 2026 FIFA World Cup and […]

READ MORE

Related resources

Submission to UN Human Rights Report on a World of Sport Free Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance

Submission to UN Human Rights Report on a World of Sport Free Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance

Countering Hate and Discrimination Against All People Impacted in Sport The world of sport is often perceived as a place in which none of the burdens and inequalities of society take place or could possibly exist. Embedded by ideals of excellence, respect and friendship, its philosophy often misleads people to discount the importance of critical […]

READ MORE

Job Opening: Social Media & Communications Assistant

Job Opening: Social Media & Communications Assistant

­ Job Description: Social Media & Communications Assistant Start date:       July 2025 Location:         Remote Reporting to:   Communications Coordinator Hours:             15 hours/week Application Deadline: 30 June 2025 Summary The Sport & Rights Alliance (SRA) is seeking a social media and communications assistant to help manage and create content for the SRA external […]

READ MORE

Join the Network

Sport has the potential to be a catalyst for human development, unity, and freedom, but too often it instead brings harm to its athletes, fans, and communities. We exist to uncover and rectify the many abuses that exist both in and around sport. We aim to transform sports into an authentic force for good.