SIGA launches global expansion of sports integrity certification network

The Sport Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA) has opened applications for organisations interested in becoming Accredited Certification Bodies (ACBs), in a move designed to expand its independent sports integrity framework into a global system.

The initiative marks a major development in SIGA’s Independent Rating and Verification System (SIRVS), which is used to assess sports organisations against a set of Universal Standards on Sport Integrity.

Those standards cover good governance, financial integrity and transparency, sports betting integrity, and youth development and protection. SIGA confirmed that additional standards focusing on social and environmental sustainability in sport, as well as artificial intelligence and sport integrity, are currently being developed.

Expansion of the SIRVS model

Under the new structure, selected organisations will be licensed to carry out SIRVS assessments within defined parameters. These will include geographical regions, specific sports sectors, and relevant standards.

SIGA will retain full control of the framework itself, including its methodology, intellectual property, governance, oversight, and quality assurance processes. The organisation said this is intended to ensure consistency and credibility across all assessments.

SIGA described the change as the most significant expansion in its history, aimed at making independent integrity certification accessible to sports bodies of all sizes and across all regions.

World Cup backdrop and integrity push

The announcement comes as global sport unites arounds the 2026 FIFA World Cup. SIGA referenced the tournament as a reminder of “sport’s extraordinary power to inspire, and of the responsibility that power demands.”

The organisation said the expansion reflects a broader push to strengthen trust and accountability in sport through independent verification systems.

Leadership comments on governance and trust

Emanuel Macedo de Medeiros, SIGA’s Co-Founder and Global CEO, said the move responds to long-standing concerns about self-regulation in sport.

“For too long, Sport has been its own referee,” he said. “Scandals in governance, finance and betting have shown, repeatedly, that blowing its own whistle and declaring itself fit for purpose is neither enough nor regarded as truly credible.”

He added that independent proof of integrity is now essential. “The world demands proof — independent, rigorous, internationally recognised proof — that sports organisations govern themselves and operate with integrity,” he said.

Macedo de Medeiros also said the system is intended to broaden access globally, ensuring “no sport, and no country, is left behind.”

Applications and selection process

SIGA is inviting applications from organisations with experience in certification, audit, verification, assessment, compliance, legal services, accounting, or other professional services, as well as expertise in sports governance, integrity, and risk management.

Applicants will be evaluated on criteria including independence, governance structures, financial sustainability, ethical standards, conflict-of-interest policies, and operational capacity. Successful organisations will be granted ACB status on a non-exclusive basis within a defined scope and must comply with ongoing training and quality assurance requirements.

The first approved organisations will also receive access to a dedicated Pioneer ACB Package, which SIGA says will recognise early participation in the programme.

Katie Simmonds, SIGA’s Global Chief Commercial Officer and Coordinator of the SIRVS Technical Team, said the initiative creates a new role for specialist organisations in sport governance.

“The organisations that step forward now will not simply be service providers,” she said. “They will be co-architects of a more accountable and trusted Sports Industry.”

Applications must be submitted by Thursday, 01 October 2026. Further information is available via SIGA’s SIRVS contact email (sirvs@siga-sport.com).

AS is a proud partner of SIGA and fully supports its mission to promote integrity in sport.

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