United Against Online Abuse coalition to lead the fight against online abuse in sport
The Association of IOC Recognised International Sports Federations (ARISF) has strengthened its commitment to fostering safer online spaces in sport by joining the United Against Online Abuse (UAOA) coalition. The partnership was formalised at the Peace and Sport Forum in Monaco, with ARISF President Raffaele Chiulli signing the UAOA Charter alongside FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. By joining the coalition, ARISF reaffirms its dedication to promoting inclusivity, integrity, and respect within the sports community.
About United Against Online Abuse
The United Against Online Abuse (UAOA) campaign, founded by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and supported by the FIA Foundation, is a global coalition uniting sporting organisation, governments, technology platforms, and regulatory bodies to address the escalating issue of online abuse in sport. The campaign is dedicated to fostering safer, more inclusive environments through evidence-based research, education, and actionable solutions.
The campaign champions evidence-based research, education, and practical solutions, producing regular reports and hosting international forums. The UAOA Charter, its guiding framework, outlines principles to combat online abuse through advocacy, education, and technological innovation.
ARISF Joining UAOA
Founded by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), an esteemed ARISF member, and supported by the FIA Foundation, UAOA now includes 27 members, including eight national governments, all united in their shared commitment to tackle online abuse in sport. ARISF’s addition to the campaign amplifies its reach and impact, bringing the collective influence of 39 International Federations from diverse sporting disciplines.
The partnership was formalised on the sidelines of the Peace and Sport Forum in Monaco, where FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and ARISF President Raffaele Chiulli officially signed the UAOA Charter. The event provided an opportunity for the leaders to reaffirm their shared commitment to creating positive and inclusive digital environments for competitors, officials, journalists, and fans.
This significant step builds on ARISF’s undertaking to integrate UAOA’s principles into its governance and integrity frameworks, a major vote of confidence in the campaign. The formal signing of the charter is a solidification of ARISF’s commitment to the United Against Online Abuse campaign’s ongoing work convening national governments, sporting organisations and technology platforms to combat the rising tide of online abuse in sports through evidence-based and implementable solutions.
FIA President and UAOA founder Mohammed Ben Sulayem said:
“This major signing represents a landmark moment in our mission to combat online abuse. ARISF’s commitment is a powerful endorsement of the United Against Online Abuse campaign and its goals. Together, we will work towards actionable change, ensuring sport remains a positive, inclusive, and respectful space for everyone involved.”
ARISF President Raffaele Chiulli said:
“Online abuse is a pervasive issue that affects every corner of the sporting world. By signing the UAOA Charter, ARISF and its member federations reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding the well-being of all stakeholders in sport, on and off the field. We are pleased to partner with UAOA and look forward to driving impactful solutions that protect the integrity of sport as a welcoming space for all.”
Upcoming Initiatives
United Against Online Abuse is currently conducting the research for the second edition of their Barometer Report. The first edition has already set a global benchmark in the study of online abuse across sporting disciplines. ARISF invites all member federations to participate in this study by completing a short online survey. Those wishing to contribute can contact UAOA Project Lead, Erin Bourke on ebourke-consultant@fia.com.
