For a sport idealist like myself, I could not believe my eyes when having the chance to observe the inner workings of sport at the political level. The whole process of structuring sport using the democratic model and selecting the Leaders through elections is fraught with issues. This led me to do research into this that led to a publication in 2015 which you are welcome to download and read.
Despite some effort by the IOC, some International Sport Federations and some government entities to reform sport governance, much remains the same as it always has been. People accumulate power and find it very hard to let it go once they get it. The perks that come with holding positions of power, particularly Presidents or Secretaries General are very attractive both materially and politically. Who can still remember the glee the FIFA President Infantino displayed while enjoying his stint with Donald Trump recently. Access to people of power, Heads of State, Billionaires all comes with holding senior positions in sport. The VIP Boxes at major Multisport events and single sport events are havens for the rich and famous. It doesn’t take long for people from more humble backgrounds elected on ideals to become intoxicated with the power and influence that lives in this environment.
Like all areas of life that involve Power and Money it doesn’t take long to corrupt. No matter how idealistic a person is, once inside the bubble of sport personal interest takes precedence over the good of the constituency they represent. At that point the motivation becomes one of maintaining positions or seeking out new more powerful opportunities. Once the people to whom organisations are accountable to become accountable to no-one, the cycle of corrupt practice is completed.
So what to do? In governance reforms already put into practice, limiting the terms and the length of terms has been enabled to prevent single individuals holding positions for overly long periods of time. In theory this should make people put the organisation first and properly document the roles responsibilities and functions of the organisations completely so that it becomes unimportant who leads. The rules are in place and procedures can be followed.
Nevertheless, people do find a way to hold onto power. In many ways the system encourages. Recognition for long service over achievement is but one of them. Systemically, holding a position often makes you eligible for a more senior position which results in one individual holding numerous positions in order to stay in power. E.G. Being President of a NOC makes it possible to sit on the Board of a Regional NOC or even become an IOC member. Holding a position as President of a National Federation gets you access to positions on either the NOC in your country or onto the International Federation for your sport. Being successful in progressing here leads to many more opportunities as well as Access to major sport events worldwide.
In my view, once someone is elected to higher office, such as onto a NOC, they should give up their NF position. This prevents one person from holding onto multiple positions and may encourage them to dedicate themselves to the project at hand. The NOC person may then follow a pathway through Regional Olympic Committees and onto being an IOC Member. Alternatively, they might follow the Sport route and aspire to the International Federation.
Of course, there are counter arguments to consider, but if we are true to the ideals of representational democracy then individuals should be representing who elected them period. As such when elected to a higher office, they need to let go of their existing place to be true to who has elected them. This would immediately deal with one of the most significant forms of corruption of sport governence, that being ‘Conflict of Interest’.
I dont expect anyone to seriously consider this idea because it would mean giving away too much power and power rules always. But at least it has been said and I for one will hope for the best that sport will one day aspure to truelt earn their right to non-interferance through responsible self regulation.
Minno's World of Sport 