Online Abuse Barometer 2025
UAOA Barometer Reports
Online Abuse In Sport Barometer 2025
The UAOA Barometer 2025 report is the second edition of UAOA’s landmark research study into the scale and impact of online abuse on the sporting world.
TRACKING ONLINE ABUSE IN SPORT
The Barometer report is based on an extensive survey of international sporting federations to research and track how online abuse is impacting athletes, competitors, officials and referees in various sporting disciplines across the world.
Key findings
The 2025 UAOA Barometer has revealed a deepening crisis in sport, as toxic online abuse escalates at an alarming rate, targeting athletes, referees, and officials.
50%
of all abuse
directed at athletes and competitors is misogynistic or racist, a significant increase from 2024.
75%
of federations report
continued threats against competitors and their families.
50%
of federations
say volunteers and officials now face routine online abuse.
90%
of federations agree
that abuse could force athletes to leave their sport.
Last year UAOA highlighted the devastating personal toll online abuse has on competitors and athletes. This second edition report has shone a light on the equally unacceptable abuse faced by officials and referees—essential members of the sporting community who ensure our competitions are conducted fairly, robustly, and with integrity.
Our priorities
FROM EVIDENCE TO ACTION
In response to the report, United Against Online Abuse has set out a number of key priorities for 2025:
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Host Landmark Global Events
UAOA will convene the coalition through international conferences, webinars, and working groups to drive policy and behavioural change, including at a major UAOA Conference in the USA in Summer 2025.
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Develop a Pan-European Framework
Implement the EU-backed Erasmus+ project to tackle online abuse in sport, including a dedicated Countering Online Abuse in Sport Day’.
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Expand Research & Thought Leadership
Support six UAOA research scholars at Dublin City University and collaborate with global research centres to produce world-leading studies on online abuse in sport.
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Launch the UAOA Ambassador Programme
Empower athletes, officials, and industry leaders to share firsthand experiences and raise awareness.
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Create Practical Resources for Sports Federations
Provide educational materials and toolkits to help federations implement effective anti-abuse strategies.
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Strengthen Government & Industry Partnerships
Engage national governments, international sports organisations, and technology companies to drive legislative and regulatory action.
