FIFA launches new safeguarding initiative - FIFA Guardians

To optimise for archiving, the original image and related documents associated with this article have been removed.

World governing body of football, FIFA, have launched a new global programme dedicated to enhancing child safeguarding standards within the sport.

The new initiative named, FIFA Guardians, will provide practical guidance to each of the 211 member organisations in reviewing their existing safeguarding measures through a series of training modules and workshops.

The FIFA Guardians toolkit will be based on five principles and five steps that are underpinned by recognised international standards.  Such measures will become a requirement to receive member association funding from FIFA .

The initiative comes following a number of historical child abuse cases in sport that have come to public knowledge, including the British football sexual abuse scandal in 2016, the Larry Nasar, former USA Gymnastics national team doctor case, and most recently the sexual allegations towards the Afghanistan Football Federation from the Women’s national team.

FIFA Secretary General, Fatma Samoura, said: “FIFA’s vision is to promote the game of football, protect its integrity and bring the game to all. In realising this vision, we aim to ensure that involvement in football, in any form, is a positive experience for all children.” The programme is also expected to develop for the protection of vulnerable adults.

Please click here to view the FIFA's statement. 

You may also like

View All

UEFA plans to extend deadline rules on multiclub ownership following Crystal Palace demotion dispute

European football’s governing body UEFA plans to provide clubs with more time to resolve multiclub ownership issues from next season, following the outrage surrounding Crystal Palace being demoted from the Europa League to the Conference League due to American businessman John Textor previously holding shares in both Crystal Palace and Olympique Lyonnais

Read More

Cross-country running, cyclocross and judo possible new Winter Olympic sports, along with other new Olympic developments

In 2030, cross-country running and cyclocross may be added to the Winter Olympic Games set to take place in France, and judo may also join the Winter Games as the International Olympic Committee’s “Fit for the Future” initiative believes this would help keep the Winter Games relevant. Regarding the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Games, squash is among five new sports which have been added to the programme

Read More

NCAA set to allow student athletes and athletic staff to place bets on professional sports

The National Collegiate Athletic Association – the governing body for college sports in the U.S. - may soon allow student athletes and staff to bet on professional sports

Read More