IPACS Task Force updates

Task Force 1

Within Task Force 1, which is dedicated to reducing the risk of corruption in procurement relating to sporting events’ infrastructure and services, the IOC recently started a new project in collaboration with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which will complement the previous study on procurement. This new initiative aims to develop guidelines and set up strategic tools to mitigate the risks in the delivery of infrastructure and associated services. All members of the Task Force will be invited to contribute to this work throughout the different phases of the project, which are expected to span the next three years.

Task Force 2

Meanwhile, Task Force 2, working on ensuring integrity in the selection of major sporting events, is currently identifying the main risks of corruption during the candidature process for the awarding of major sports events. The objective is to develop a list of recommendations that will help sports event owners organise a solid and well-structured candidature procedure while mitigating the risks of corruption. Earlier in the year, this Task Force finalised good practice examples for managing conflicts of interest in sports organisations. During its virtual meeting on 6 October, the Task Force agreed to continue its work on the mitigation factors in the candidature procedure, with the aim of presenting its first outcomes in April 2021. In addition, the expert group decided to develop guidelines for the reallocation process of sports events, an area that was regarded as an emerging issue, in particular due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Task Force 3

The final benchmark of good governance for national and international sports organisations was endorsed on 21 October during a meeting of Task Force 3, which was set up with the aim of optimising the processes of compliance with good governance principles to mitigate the risk of corruption. A sub-working group, in which all the sectors of the IPACS stakeholders will be represented, will now work to prepare the implementation guidelines on the benchmark. These guidelines will then be reviewed by Task Force 3 in early 2021.

Task Force 4

Task Force 4, which facilitates effective cooperation between law enforcement, criminal justice authorities and sports organisations, is currently working on a study entitled “Stocktake of International Anti-Bribery Standards”. Following the Steering Committee meeting on 16 November 2020, the UNODC and IOC will convene the first meeting of the Task Force in due course and invite representatives of IPACS partners and experts to take part, with a view to supporting the implementation of the terms of reference and planning the next steps.