A new report has criticised Fifa and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for failing to implement clear policies regarding athletes convicted of sexual offences participating in major sporting events. The report, titled 'No One Wants to Talk About It', is based on interviews with elite athletes affected by sexual abuse and highlights widespread distrust of international sports governing bodies.
The study, a collaboration between the Sport and Rights Alliance and Thomas More University in Belgium, found that athletes surveyed cited a lack of clear safeguarding policies from clubs and federations, an absence of transparent eligibility standards, and inconsistent responses to concerns about sexual abuse. One athlete said governing bodies should 'start by acknowledging that this is a problem' and treat it as seriously as ensuring proper playing surfaces.
Joanna Maranhão from the Sport and Rights Alliance noted that 'distrust was something that came up in every single interview'. The report also found no consistent global approach to the participation of athletes with prior criminal sexual offences, with a pattern of male athletes who commit sexual offences having their contracts ended but not their eligibility revoked.
The report highlights the case of former Real Madrid and Manchester City star Robinho, who was convicted of rape in Italy in 2017 but remained eligible to play. It also names Villarreal midfielder Thomas Partey, who was charged with multiple counts of rape and sexual assault in England in 2025 and remains eligible to play for Ghana while awaiting trial in November 2026.
The study acknowledges the complex dilemma between legal rights and ethical considerations, but calls for clearer standards to prevent confusion at events like the World Cup and Olympics.
