International sporting leaders will address the important subject of the relationship between sport and government during the eighth SportAccord International Convention from April 25-30, 2010 in Dubai. The SportAccord Convention features the topic of “Autonomy of Sport” on its conference agenda at a time when regulation and the role of non-sport authorities in the governance of sport is the focus of increasing debate and consultation around the world.
Confirmed speakers for this momentous session are: Joseph S. Blatter, President, International Football Federation (FIFA); Christophe de Kepper, Chief of Staff, International Olympic Committee (IOC), and Nawal El Moutawakel, former Sports Minister, Morocco, IOC member and Chairwoman, Rio 2016 Coordination Commission.
The year 2010 marks a turning point in the area of sporting regulation after the passage by the European Union’s Treaty of Lisbon in December 2009 endorsed an expanded role for the EU in this area, a move that has implications throughout world sport. For the first time, the EU has a so-called supporting competence in sport. While the majority of sport-related actions remain in the hands of sporting organisations and national governments, consultations are underway as to the future shape of European policy. The EU’s new Pierre de Coubertin Action Plan contains more than 50 proposals for action in sport, addressing its role in society, economic aspects and organisation.
“The subject of regulation and the Autonomy of Sport is a crucial one for our stakeholders and all actors in the world of sport, including commercial operators,” said Anna Hellman, executive director of SportAccord Convention. “We are delighted to provide a platform for global sporting leaders to shed light on this area of growing importance.”
The groundbreaking SportAccord Convention session on the “Autonomy of Sport” will be moderated by Michael Lenard, Senior Managing Director, Paladin Realty Partners; Member of the International Council of Arbitration for Sport (ICAS).
Shaikh Ahmad Al-Fahd Al-Sabah, President of Olympic Council of Asia, member of the International Olympic Committee and a participant of the convention stated: "International committees in various countries around the world seek to put pressure on governments to recognise the specificity of sport and the importance of maintaining the structures of sport, without government interference. The integrity of sports results is now threatened by increasing public sector interference, which interferes with the necessary balance between strengthening the role of sport in education and social development established by the principles of fair play and democracy contained within various competitions and championships. We are proud to host this Conference for the first time in the Middle East, which will discuss the threats facing the autonomy of sports enterprises within the international sports community."
Joseph Blatter, President of the International Football Federation, (FIFA) previously stated: "The autonomy of sport is essential in order to preserve the integrity of all competitions and the values of solidarity and democracy within the sporting world. We must avoid the interference of external influences which often have interests other than the purely sporting ones, whether economic, political or countless others.” HE added, “But we must also note that this autonomy brings with it the obligation for good governance by the sporting authorities, promoting transparency and open-mindedness. In order to find the best solutions, we need dialogue and cooperation with all the parties involved, especially with governmental authorities, always respecting the mutual competences of each entity."
The SportAccord International Convention 2010 will take place in Dubai from April 25-30, 2010 at Atlantis Hotel. It is the first edition of the SportAccord Convention to be held in the Middle East and is additionally being sponsored by “Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Creative Sports Award,” Dubai Media Inc., Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), and Dubai Sports City.
Every year SportAccord Convention week features a dynamic exhibition, numerous networking receptions and top-level conference sessions, including the City Forum, as well as the annual general meetings of the Sports Governing Bodies. The Convention attracts over 1,500 leading representatives of international sport.
