Jan 23, 2025
UNI World Players, a sector of UNI Global Union, has carried out the first-ever public poll to assess awareness and attitudes regarding athletes’ rights and representation at the Olympic Games. The poll of nearly 3,200 people from Australia, France and the United States was conducted by Ipsos, a leading global market research firm, in the months following the 2024 Paris Olympics. It shows immense public support for greater compensation for Olympic athletes and increased athlete input in decisions affecting their careers.
The poll underscores that IOC’s actions are out of step with public expectations on athlete rights and representation, highlighting the public’s lack of awareness of the challenges Olympic athletes face. As seven candidates battle it out to become the new President of the IOC, to be decided in March this year, UNI World Players is seeking a commitment to fair treatment for athletes and their fair share of the billions of dollars generated at the Games.
Among the poll’s key findings:
Overwhelming support for fair pay for Olympians
- Across the three countries surveyed, half of respondents admitted they “did not know” whether the IOC shares revenue generated at the Games as a form of payment (directly or indirectly) with athletes. Only 18% correctly recognized that the IOC does not.
- A majority (65%) believe the IOC should share Olympic revenue as a form of payment with athletes (either directly or indirectly). Support is highest in Australia (68%), followed by France (67%) and the United States (59%).
Strong backing for greater athlete agency, including sponsorships
- The overwhelming majority of respondents (73%) were unaware that athletes at the Olympics only have a limited say when it comes to matters affecting their careers.
- A majority of over 60% across all three surveyed countries believe athletes should have an equal say with the IOC in decisions that can affect their careers, with the highest support in Australia (71 per cent), followed by the United States (67%) and France (62%).
- There was also support for enhanced sponsorship freedom. When asked their perspective on whether athletes should or should not be allowed to promote personal sponsors when competing at the Olympic Games, the majority of respondents in each country (USA – 59%, Australia – 57% and
France – 51%) believe athletes should be allowed.
Head of UNI World Players, Matthew Graham said:
This poll shows the public support for change. Without athletes, there are no Olympic
Games, and they deserve to have a stake in the enormous wealth they generate.
The next president must ensure the IOC acknowledges athletes’ hard work and
dedication by paying them their fair share, and giving them an equal say in all
matters affecting their careers, wellbeing and livelihoods.
At the pandemic affected Tokyo Olympics, the IOC produced revenues amounting to US$370,000 for each of the 11,300 competitors, and it is estimated these figures will be higher again in Paris. Yet athletes only directly share in a meagre 0.6% of the revenue they generate via the ‘Olympic Scholarship’ programme. This inequity is forcing many athletes to leave their sports prematurely with significant numbers facing mental health
challenges due to financial difficulties.
UNI World Players notes this polling is another reminder that the IOC needs to fully embed the fundamental rights of athletes in its governance and business model if it is to keep up with the demands and expectations of all stakeholders in the modern professional sport era. To take these steps, the IOC must build meaningful athlete engagement upon a foundation of respect for the rights to organize and collectively bargain, allowing for an equal say on all matters affecting their careers, wellbeing and livelihoods. As proven by other sport globally, says UNI World Players, it will be a win both for athletes and their sports.
Oct 15, 2024
Last week, the European Athletes and Players Association participated in the 18th Council of Europe Conference of Ministers Responsible for Sport and other accompanying events held in Port, Portugal.
The theme of the Ministerial Conference was: “Governing and governance in sport, supporting a fresh approach to match its societal importance.” and gathered over 200 participants from more than 50 countries, including Ministers and other government officials, Council of Europe and EPAS representatives, members of the EPAS Consultative Committee and observers.
In her intervention, Paulina emphasized the importance of athletes’ rights and called for enhanced social dialogue in the sport. “With numerous challenges facing the sport sector today, social dialogue is an opportunity for athletes and employers to negotiate adequate solutions, tackling specific problems and taking into account the rights and interests of different parties”.
She also highlighted the crucial role of the Member States, Council of Europe and EPAS in safeguarding the fundamental rights for athletes. “Athletes need you to ensure the respect and protection of the fundamental rights of freedom of association and collective bargaining. To recognise the importance of the independent athlete and player associations. To promote and engage in social dialogue and provide institutional support. They simply need you to create a legal and political framework in which they can fully exercise their rights, improving sport for athletes and all involved.”.
Sep 4, 2024
It is with great excitement that EAPA announces that it is a coordinator in the new EU-funded project under the ERASMUS+ program: PROtect Integrity Responsibly (PIR) scheduled for 2025.
The PROtect Integrity Responsibly focuses on promoting integrity and values in sport, by educating athletes on responsible gambling practices and, therefore, competition manipulation in sport.
The project consists of the following project partners: EAPA as the coordinator, EPIC Global Solutions, a global leading and award-winning gambling harm prevention harm consultancy and the following eight player associations:
AIP – Italian Volleyball Players Association
AJFS – Spanish Futsal Players Association
AJFSF – Spanish Women’s Futsal Players Association
AJPH – French Handball Players Union
GIBA – Italian Basketball Players Association
HSF – Danish Handball Players Association
RPI – Rugby Players Ireland
SNB – French Basketball Players Union
PROtect Integrity Responsibly is divided in the following stages. The first part consists of research on education on gambling harm prevention as well as research into evaluation of the education implemented in the project. Based on the research, a Report on developing education on gambling harm prevention and Evaluation shall be made.
Following the Report, educational materials shall be made for players. This shall include an online learning module and educational infographic on responsible gambling. The new educational materials shall be uploaded on www.protect-integrity.com.
Next, a “Train the Observer” workshop shall be organised for player association staff. The player associations will then provide at least 5,500 professionals and elite level athletes with blended face-to-face and online education about responsible gambling.
PROtect Integrity Responsibly is a continuation of over a decade of successful work from the Association in its fight against match-fixing and corruption in sport. This project will make sure to expand on previous project outcomes as well as cooperate with other Erasmus+ projects and national and international stakeholders working in similar domains.
For further information about the project, please contact: info@euathletes.org
Jun 11, 2024
European Athletes and Players Association (EU Athletes) is the European multi-sport federation of independent athlete and player unions and associations in sports such as basketball, handball, rugby, volleyball as well as individual and Olympic sports. More than 25 000 athletes are represented through the membership.
EAPA represents its members on matters that affect athletes, such as athlete rights, working conditions, integrity of sport, dual careers and education and many others.
We are looking for an intern to support the team in management and implementation of ongoing EU projects focusing on the integrity of sport and fight against match-fixing. The work of the intern will focus on assisting in preparation of the project deliverables, monitoring and reporting, participation in meetings as well as internal and external communication. Internship will also include other tasks related to current work priorities and every-day running of the association, depending on the interest and profile of the intern.
Profile
- Currently completing a university degree in a relevant field (European studies, Sport policy, Project management, EU law, international relations or similar), or a recent graduate.
- Knowledge of research methodology and excellent drafting skills.
- Good knowledge of EU funding programmes, especially Erasmus+, and project management methodology, as well as the European legal and policy framework, in particular related to sport policy.
- Basic ICT skills.
- Professional knowledge of English, knowledge of other languages is advantageous.
- Interest in the topic of sport integrity, athlete rights and representation.
Conditions
- 6 months paid internship, starting on the 1st of September 2024 (flexible).
- Remote or based in Brussels, with occasional travels possible.
Application process
- Send a CV and short cover letter to Paulina Tomczyk, the General Secretary at paulinatomczyk@euathletes.org before the 30th of June 2024.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews, which will take place in July.
Apr 18, 2024
Each year the 15th of April marks the #EUSportIntegrityDay, providing an opportunity to speak out against match fixing and reaffirm commitment to safeguarding the integrity of sport. Initiated by EU Athletes in 2014, the campaign has steadily expanded over the last 10 years and received support from various stakeholders, including player associations, sport federations, public bodies, as well as organisations such as UNODC, European Lotteries or IBIA.
For athletes, the consequences of match fixing can be profound, impacting their reputations and potentially jeopardising their careers. Athlete and player associations continue to be actively engaged in educating athletes about combating competition manipulation, empowering them to identify fixers and promptly report any suspicious activity.
Together with 8 player associations in Europe, EU Athletes is implementing an Erasmus+ project PROtect Integrity Online co-funded by the European Union. Since the beginning of the project in February 2023, more than 2800 players have received education on fighting against match fixing and corruption in sport. By the end of the project, the match fixing education will be delivered by player associations to at least 5,800 athletes in Europe through the blended face-to-face and online approach.
Join us in safeguarding our sports and make your stand against match fixing on #EUSportIntegrityDay every year.
