IOC and Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF) sign ground-breaking MoU

This MoU, which was signed by IOC President Thomas Bach and GAISF President Patrick Baumann, is a direct result of Recommendation 13 of Olympic Agenda 2020, which called on the IOC to "Maximise synergies with Olympic Movement stakeholders". Acting as an umbrella organisation for IFs, the mandate of GAISF (previously SportAccord) is to provide services to IFs to foster their development; host the SportAcccord Convention (via the SportAccord Convention Association); and organise Multi-Sport Games events for the benefit of the IFs.

The new agreement between the IOC and GAISF provides a stable and sustainable framework for strengthened cooperation between the two organisations, with clarity on the roles and responsibilities of both bodies in relation to support to IFs and the organisation of multi-sport events. It will also enable both organisations to better serve all IFs by aligning the work of GAISF and its members with the overarching objectives of the Olympic Movement.

In particular, the MoU sets out a long-term strategy and plan to align GAISF membership with IOC IF recognition criteria. This partnership will also enable the IOC and GAISF to provide increased services to non-Olympic IFs with a specific focus on good governance, ethics and integrity, protection of clean athletes, development, education and sustainability. These services will be integrated with and complement existing IOC service provision thereby maximising the use of IOC services and programmes, while providing cost efficiencies.

Crucially, GAISF will transfer the expertise, human resources and services of the Doping Free Sport Unit (DFSU) to the newly created Independent Testing Authority (ITA). This will be a very important step in strengthening the global anti-doping system.

Finally, in consultation with the IOC, GAISF will continue to develop and organise multi-sport games, including Urban, Mind, Combat, Beach, Artistic and Motor Sport Games, aimed at trialling new events that are not on the Olympic Programme and providing increased opportunities for IOC-recognised IFs.

Commenting on the strengthened partnership, IOC President Thomas Bach said, "This MoU is an important milestone in our relations with GAISF. It provides an excellent foundation on which we can strengthen our relationship even more and is another expression of the unity in diversity of the Olympic Movement. Our two organisations can look to the future with confidence in the strength of our partnership".

Meanwhile, GAISF President Patrick Baumann explained, "The relationship between International Federations and the International Olympic Committee is pivotal to the future of sport. We are one family, share and promote the same values and stand shoulder-to-shoulder on the major issues facing sport today. I would like to thank IOC President Thomas Bach and the IOC for the trust that they offer GAISF and its members through this MoU, which articulates and cements our relationship, makes clear that we are all members of the Olympic Movement and will see us working even more closely together to ensure that the values of the Olympic Movement remain paramount in an ever-changing sports landscape. The clarity of our shared vision and unity of purpose between GAISF and the IOC makes all of sport stronger."