In a declaration adopted on 27 September 2023, the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers invites member states and sport organisations to “promote transparency, accountability, democracy and ethical behaviour in sport, including the establishment of robust governance systems, conflict-of-interest policies, whistle-blower protection mechanisms, effective investigation and prosecution of corruption, manipulation of competitions, violence and other infringements of human rights and the rule of law in the sport context.”
This declaration is the result of serious concerns stemming from the “constantly evolving threats to sport integrity” and a strong will to “effectively combat the various threats […] and ensure fair and clean competitions at all levels.”
In this respect, the Committee of Ministers supports the establishment under the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport (EPAS) of the MARS Network. Through exchanges of information, intelligence and good practices among magistrates and prosecutors responsible for sports, the Network aims at strengthening international co-operation in the field of sport justice, thus contributing to a more efficient fight against cross-border crime linked to sports.
To this end, the Committee of Ministers praises the role of EPAS in “facilitating dialogue and co-operation in the field at national and international levels between the sports movement, public authorities, and all other key stakeholders” and calls upon more countries to “engage in this unique collaborative forum and join EPAS.”
Joining EPAS – benefits, budgetary contribution, and guidance
“Protecting the integrity of sport: the role and value of the MARS Network”
European Sports Charter (see article 8 on Integrity)
