“If not now, when?” - SIGA chief calls for investment in good governance in sport

Emanuel Macedo de Medeiros, the global CEO of the Sport Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA), has delivered an impassioned speech in which he stressed the importance of good governance in sport.

Appearing at this month’s EurAfrican Forum in Cascais, Portugal, Macedo de Medeiros called for investment in efforts to safeguard the integrity of sport, noting that the industry must “lead by example” if it is to act as a force for good in the wider world.

“I believe in what Mandela said - I believe in the power of sport”

In an address that set the stage for the panel discussion “Sport: Fostering Integrity and International Cooperation for Sustainable Development”, Macedo de Medeiros cited former South African president Nelson Mandela’s words on sport’s potential impact on society. “It was he who said that the power of sport can inspire, can motivate, can deliver change and hope when little else can,” the SIGA chief said.

He continued: “What role can sport play? What role can sport [play] in a society that is facing the most daunting threats we have ever faced collectively as humankind? Well, I’ll tell you: I believe in what Mandela said - I believe in the power of sport.

“But I also know that sport, to exert its role to the fullest - as a beacon of light, as a source of hope, as an engine of human, social, educational, cultural, even economic development - needs to lead by example. And for sport to lead by example, it needs to take care of its own affairs. It needs to clean up its house. Put its house in order. In other words: it needs to show, with actions rather than words, that it’s fit for purpose.”

“Put your money where your mouth is”

Macedo de Medeiros underscored SIGA’s commitment to advancing sport integrity by implementing universal standards and the SIGA Independent Rating and Verification System - and he urged industry stakeholders to “put your money where your mouth is” in support of the drive for good governance.

“Don’t be a bystander,” Macedo de Medeiros said. “Pick your side. There is no room for neutrality. It’s time for action and this action must come now.” He concluded: “If not now, when? If not you, who?”

Who are SIGA?

Founded in 2017, SIGA is a non-profit organisation that works with stakeholders from across the sporting world to safeguard integrity and good governance in the industry. AS is a proud media partner of the body.