Soccer legends join SIGA as champions of Sport Integrity

Three soccer legends have joined forces with the Sport Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA) to champion the highest standards of integrity in sports. Appointed as SIGA Champions during the Sport Integrity Week at Cityscape Global 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Gilberto Silva, Nicola Innocentin, and Sol Campbell are the latest advocates to join this growing alliance, which now includes 23 international athletes and coaches. Their induction was celebrated by current SIGA Champion Louis Saha, former French National Team and Manchester United footballer.

Soccer icons take a stand for Sport Integrity

These new SIGA Champions bring years of achievement and dedication to their roles, representing the alliance’s ongoing mission to ensure fair play, inclusivity, and transparency across all sports. Emanuel Macedo de Medeiros, SIGA’s Global CEO, welcomed the newest members, emphasizing their role in promoting a culture of integrity:

“These exceptional athletes bring not only impressive careers but a profound commitment to Sport Integrity. As SIGA Champions, they will harness their convictions, experiences, and platforms to demonstrate and promote the far-reaching, beneficial outcomes of ensuring Sport is played, governed, and operated with the highest levels of Integrity. Through their interventions, actions, and powerful voices, these Integrity Champions will amplify the pivotal principles that are enshrined in the SIGA mission and vision and help deliver our vision for Sport, ensuring that it is inclusive, accessible, sustainable, and successful. We are honored to have them join our cause at such a pivotal moment for Sport Integrity.”

Each SIGA Champion’s unique perspective

Each of the new SIGA Champions brings unique experiences and a strong sense of purpose to their advocacy roles:

Gilberto Silva (Brazil)

Known as a World Cup champion with Brazil and a former Arsenal star, Silva has dedicated himself to youth development, health, and education in sport. Reflecting on his commitment, he shared:

“As a former player and now a dedicated advocate for youth development, I see first-hand how essential integrity is to every stage of a young athlete’s journey. Sport has the unique power to inspire and transform, and it’s our duty to protect it from any form of harm or exploitation. Through SIGA and my own initiatives with Striver, I am committed to creating a fun and safe abuse-free space and promoting education and health, ensuring young people have the opportunity to reach their full potential in an environment grounded in respect and integrity.”

Nicola Innocentin (Italy)

Founder of Global Football Service and advocate for heart health through his organization UNBEATABLES, Innocentin emphasizes athlete safety and education:

“The well-being and safety of athletes are paramount, especially when it comes to safeguarding them against health risks like sudden cardiac arrest. With my work at UNBEATABLES, I’m devoted to raising awareness and education on heart health, ensuring athletes receive the support they need. As a SIGA Champion, I am committed to bringing health-focused integrity to the forefront, advocating for safe sporting environments that prioritize athletes’ health and foster sustainable growth for the future of Sport.”

Sol Campbell (England)

The legendary defender for England and Arsenal is a passionate advocate for anti-racism and inclusion in sport:

“Football is a universal language, a source of pride, and a global stage for unity. Yet, in recent years, racism and discrimination have continued to cast a shadow over Sport, compromising the integrity of the game and alienating individuals who deserve equal respect and opportunity. Racism in football is not only an attack on individuals but a threat to the spirit of respect, unity, and fair play that sports embody. My commitment to this fight is rooted in my core belief in Sport Integrity. Football at its finest is a platform for unity, where every individual is valued and every fan feels a sense of belonging. Racism, prejudice, and exclusion contradict the very essence of the game and deny individuals the opportunity to fully participate.”

SIGA: a growing coalition for change

The SIGA Champions now include a group of athletes from around the world, representing diverse sports, including Basketball, Rugby, Taekwondo, Luge, Boccia, Judo, MotoGP, Gymnastics, Wheelchair Tennis, Boxing, and Track & Field Athletics. This coalition of influential athletes is united in the belief that sport should serve as a model of ethics and fairness, dedicated to creating safer, more inclusive sporting environments.

As SIGA continues to grow, this alliance brings together influential voices, furthering the mission to protect and enhance integrity in sports. With champions like Silva, Innocentin, and Campbell, SIGA’s vision of a fair, inclusive, and well-governed sports industry is taking center stage, inspiring future generations to uphold these values.

At AS we are proud media partners of SIGA and fully support their mission.