The Online Abuse in Sport Barometer Report 2024, published by the United Against Online Abuse campaign, is the first global, industry-wide barometer measuring online abuse in sport, with participation from leading NGOs and International Federations.
Supported by the FIA Foundation and coordinated by FIA University, the responses paint a clear image of a challenging and aggressive social media environment.
- 75% of the respondents to the survey reported that competitors regularly face threats of harm against themselves or their families
- 66% of federations believe that social media platforms should do more to tackle online abuse, with 90% expressing fears that the issue will prompt stars to leave sport
- 95% of the respondents say that social media platforms have a key role to play in tackling the problem, either voluntarily or under obligation.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, Founding Partner of UAOA and President of the FIA, said: “Online abuse is a persistent issue within the sporting world. A number of international federations have voiced their concerns via our barometer survey and in regular discussions we have held since the campaign launch in 2022. The survey findings highlight the importance of united anti-abuse efforts across sporting ecosystems and beyond. As part of the UAOA campaign, the aim of our coalition is to rid our sport of the scourge of online abuse. Together we seek to bring about behavioural and regulatory change to create a safer, more harmonious environment free of abuse, hate speech and harassment. We already have the support of a number of sporting bodies and governments and are in discussions with other stakeholders to grow our support base.”
Professor David Hassan, Principal Investigator for the UAOA Research Study, said: “This research provides us with a baseline for our work going forward. Now that we have established the extent of the problem across sporting federations, we are well placed to address this issue and tackle its root causes, alongside other researchers, governments, and campaign groups. In conversations with IFs like the IOC and FIFA, there is a common desire to gain a better understanding of the cause and effect of online abuse. That is one of the main goals of our research scholarship programme in collaboration with DCU. The findings of that research will inform our strategic approach going forward.”
Dame Liz Nicholl, DBE, President of World Netball, said: “At World Netball, our vision is to make netball a sport that is open to all, and this stretches to the online space. We want all of the Netball Family to feel included and respected on social media. There is no space for abuse. It was important for netball to be part of this UAOA initiative, and we look forward to helping to make social media safe for all those within our game; from the fans to our officials, and of course our athletes at every level.”
Jorge Viegas, President of the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), the global governing body of motorcycle racing, said: “The FIM is proud to be an UAOA partner and to be part of this initial step so that we can gauge and analyse the findings in order that we can better protect our riders and motorcycling sport in general from online abuse. By co-operating and collaborating with other sporting federations, our united approach is one of the best ways to limit this kind of abuse. From the results of the survey, we can now look to strengthen certain areas and ensure that we focus our efforts for the next part of this important process.”
Boban Totovski, General Secretary of the International Esports Federation said: “The International Esports Federation is built on respect, not rage. Whether you’re a pro player or a weekend warrior, let’s spread positive vibes and make Esports a community, not a battleground. Level up your sportsmanship, not your toxicity. Remember, the real victory is respect, not burning books. Let’s make Esports a place where everyone feels welcome.”
Access the Full Report
Explore the full findings and actionable recommendations in the Online Abuse in Sport Barometer 2024.
In the News
The Online Abuse in Sport Barometer 2024 was covered by national and international media following it’s launch:
Join the Campaign
UAOA invites stakeholders from across the sporting, political, and technology sectors to join the coalition in its mission to create a safer, more inclusive environment for all. To get in touch with the campaign, click here.