More than 500 participants gathered in Tampere, Finland, to defend the democratic conversation in sport "even when it is uncomfortable."
"In a time of growing polarisation, we need courage, honesty, facts, and respectful debate. If power is to be challenged, if knowledge is to be shared, if marginalised voices are to be heard, then the only way forward is democratic dialogue," said Stanis Elsborg, head of Play the Game.
Play the Game 2025, "Driving dialogue for democracy in sport" (5-8 October), brought together journalists, researchers, athletes, whistleblowers, and decision-makers in sport from across the world, aiming to create a space for conversations covering all aspects of democracy in sport, from freedom of speech to accountability, staged in an honest, open, and respectful environment.
Stronger enforcement of existing rules, better protection of whistleblowers
Congratulating participants on a conference that has covered a broad range of challenges facing sport in the twenty-first century, Deputy Secretary General Bjørn Berge welcomed Play the Game's work on sports integrity, particularly that on stronger enforcement of existing rules and better protection of whistleblowers.
He underscored the Council of Europe's aim to place the protection of human rights and respect for the rule of law in sports and notably the fight against corruption on the agenda of all governments and sports organisations.
"Together, all of us in this room and many individuals and organisations beyond are working towards the same goal: a better sporting world. A world where athletes have access to the same opportunities, no matter their race, gender or politics. A world without unfair advantage, exploitation or corruption. A world where everyone plays by the same rules of fairness and integrity," Deputy Secretary General said in his closing remarks.
The Council of Europe participated in the sessions: "Fighting corruption in sport: achievements and future challenges" and "Start to talk: protecting children in sport - the importance of safe recruitment".
The conference was co-hosted by the Finnish Centre for Integrity in Sports (FINCIS) in partnership with the City of Tampere.
Read Deputy Secretary General Bjørn Berge's speech
Driving dialogue for democracy in sport
