MP Kostis Efstathiou participated today in a debate at the plenary session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on good governance in football.
Mr Efstathiou pointed out that sports competitions are evolving into huge businesses closely linked to industries and entertainment companies, noting the significant contribution of dominant sports such as football to the global economy.He underlined the importance of shared responsibility for upholding sports ethics and the core values of equality, teamwork, social inclusion and respect. Everyone is equal in sport, he stressed, and everyone should have the same opportunity to participate and compete.
The Cypriot MEP said that the member states of the Council of Europe should promote the fight against corruption and promote transparency and good governance in the field of sport. In the case of major sporting events, he added, the organising countries should follow institutionalised rules and standards.
Referring also to media coverage of sporting events, Mr Efstathiou stressed the importance of safeguarding the independence of the media and disconnecting them from any sponsorship. He also stressed that the media become accountable in terms of shaping the ethical behaviour of all stakeholders involved.
Regarding recovery measures from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cypriot MP pointed out that priority should be given to supporting local clubs and public sports bodies and that the relevant allowances should primarily target vulnerable social groups, multicultural communities and small non-profit organisations. Finally, Mr Efstathiou stressed that social inclusion and equal opportunities should be the backbone of recovery and resilience mechanisms, aiming at the physical and mental health and well-being of all citizens.
EX/IK
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