Discover the latest output by the Task Forces
In the past few months, the IPACS Task Forces, all of which work on developing actionable solutions to address specific areas of corruption in sport, have made some good progress.
Mitigating corruption risks during the candidature process
Over the course of 2022, Task Force 2 worked on a new document on “Mitigating the risks of corruption in the candidature process of major sport events”, which was endorsed by IPACS during its annual meeting. It contains recommendations aimed at supporting major sports event organisers at international and national level.
In working on this project, Task Force 2 focused on the following key questions:
- How to identify factors that can reduce the risk of corruption in these major decisions?
- What are examples and resources that illustrate how to improve the transparency and fairness of the candidature process?
- Which clear and practical recommendations can support major sports event organisers at international and national level?
The Task Force reviewed the candidature procedures of more than 100 international sports federations and continental associations and discovered a variety of approaches, ranging from well-defined procedures that could be used as best practice examples to less structured processes. Based on this review, the final report recommends 13 factors that can reduce the risk of corruption in the awarding of sports events.
Managing conflicts of interest
In addition, Task Force 2 recently updated the document “Good practice examples for managing conflicts of interest in sport organisations”, including fresh examples from more federations. This compilation is a useful tool for sports organisations across all levels to prevent corruption linked to conflicts of interest.
IPACS Sport Governance Benchmark
Meanwhile, IPACS also endorsed the introduction and Dimension E of the “Guidelines” for the IPACS Sport Governance Benchmark developed by Task Force 3. The introduction explains the added value of the Benchmark and the related Guidelines, specifies the role of the various IPACS key stakeholders and provides guidance on how to use the documents, which are all available here. Dimension E is dedicated to checks, balances and control mechanisms, including for instance guidance on the role of an ethics committee with independent representation, risk assessment, including corruption-related risks, and the awarding of main events through an open and transparent process.
New initiative to launch network between sport and criminal justice authorities
The UNODC and the IOC have prepared a concept note which proposes the launch of a new initiative that will build on the work accomplished by IPACS Task Force 4. It is a response to multiple calls by the international community and sports organisations to develop mechanisms which enhance the exchange of information and support collaboration to effectively tackle corruption in sport. The new network, provisionally known as the “IPACS Frontrunners Network”, will therefore aim to promote and enhance cooperation and the exchange of information and good practices among anti-corruption law enforcement practitioners, representatives of sports organisations and other relevant stakeholders.
Stay tuned and keep following the updates on the Task Forces’ activities at www.ipacs.sport.