29/05/2026 Culture, Science, Education and Media
Tone Trøen (Norway, EPP/CD), rapporteur of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) on media freedom in sport, issued the following statement today:
“Silencing whistleblowers and journalists who expose abuses linked to major sporting events is incompatible with the values that sport claims to defend.
According to publicly available information, Abdullah Ibhais, former media manager of Qatar’s 2022 FIFA World Cup organising committee, has had his passport confiscated in Jordan after speaking publicly about the treatment of migrant workers, media manipulation and governance failures connected to the 2022 World Cup.
Preventing him from travelling to speak at the Oslo Freedom Forum and participate in legal proceedings raises serious concerns regarding freedom of expression, the protection of whistleblowers and transnational intimidation.
The case of Mr Ibhais illustrates the broader climate of pressure that can affect journalists, former officials, athletes and whistleblowers who seek to expose wrongdoing in international sport. Democratic scrutiny and investigative reporting are essential safeguards against corruption, exploitation and abuse. Journalists covering international sport must be able to work independently, free from political, commercial or institutional interference.
As the Parliamentary Assembly prepares to debate my report on media freedom in sport, this case is a timely reminder that media freedom in sport cannot be separated from the protection of sources, whistleblowers and those who challenge powerful interests.
I call on the relevant authorities to ensure that Mr Ibhais’ fundamental rights, including freedom of movement and freedom of expression, are fully respected, in line with international human rights obligations.
The credibility of international sport depends not only on what happens on the field of play, but also on whether those who speak the truth can do so freely and safely.”
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Ms Trøen’s report is scheduled for adoption by PACE’s Committee on Culture, Science, Education and Media at its meeting in Istanbul on 2 June, ahead of a debate in the Assembly during the June plenary session.