03/04/2025 Culture, Science, Education and Media
“I wish to express my strong support for the ClearingSport initiative by Play the Game and its crucial role in addressing corruption, financial misconduct and other threats to integrity in sport,” said PACE’s General Rapporteur on governance and ethics in sport Mogens Jensen (Denmark, SOC). “Sport is a pillar of our societies, promoting values of fair play and respect, yet it remains vulnerable to exploitation by criminal networks. We must act decisively to protect it.”
“The proposal put forward by Play the Game represents a vital step towards strengthening governance and transparency. However, for it to succeed, it must align with existing European and international frameworks,” Mr Jensen added. The Council of Europe has been at the forefront of combating corruption in sport through key instruments, including the Macolin Convention, which provides a framework for tackling match-fixing; the Anti-Doping Convention, reinforcing clean competition; the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport (EPAS), promoting ethical governance in sport; and the anti-corruption body GRECO, with expertise in transparency and accountability.
“Rather than duplicating efforts, the ClearingSport initiative must serve as a catalyst, strengthening enforcement and ensuring coherence with these mechanisms,” underlined Mr Jensen. “I also highlight the importance of parliamentary engagement in this effort. Through the Parliamentary Alliance for Good Governance and Integrity in Sport, which was created in November 2024 in Athens, our Assembly is reinforcing the role of national parliaments in shaping policies that safeguard integrity in sport,” he continued.
Finally, he called upon all stakeholders - governments, international bodies and sports organisations - to work in unity, ensuring that any new initiative operates in close partnership with established frameworks, to safeguard the fundamental values of sport and uphold its role as an inspiration for millions.