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.
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.
The first edition, released in 2024 is available here: Online Abuse in Sport Barometer 2024.
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. |
Click below to download the report:
Commenting on the shocking findings, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President and Founder of United Against Online Abuse, said:
“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.
“While it’s encouraging to see more federations adopting anti-abuse measures, these findings show that the scale of abuse is continuing to grow. UAOA’s work in 2025 will be critical in fostering collaboration across the sporting, political, and technology sectors to create meaningful, lasting solutions that protect all members of our community.”
In response to the report, United Against Online Abuse has set out a number of key priorities for 2025:
✔ 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.
✔ 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’.
✔ 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.
✔ Launch the UAOA Ambassador Programme – Empower athletes, officials, and industry leaders to share firsthand experiences and raise awareness.
✔ Create Practical Resources for Sports Federations – Provide educational materials and toolkits to help federations implement effective anti-abuse strategies.
✔ Strengthen Government & Industry Partnerships – Engage national governments, international sports organisations, and technology companies to drive legislative and regulatory action.
Click below to download the report:
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.