Sport Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA) held its annual general assembly on July 31 with several key highlights that included the establishment of SIGA Asia that will be based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
This new continental structure will be in addition to SIGA’s existing hubs in other regions – SIGA Europe, SIGA Latin America, and SIGA America.
The meeting marked a pivotal moment in SIGA’s journey for the next four years, with members giving full endorsement to the alliance’s new global strategy and a series of impactful new projects and thought leadership initiatives, including the election of a new council for the 2025-2029 term.
Key decisions of the general assembly included:
Election of the new SIGA Council (2025–2029)
The elections represented a turning point for SIGA with the new council members bringing fresh perspectives and leadership to navigate the complexities of the modern sports landscape. The new council demonstrates the strength of SIGA’s multi-stakeholder coalition with diverse representation:
· Giovanni Tartaglia Polcini, Chair (Independent)
· António Silva, President, European Aquatics
· Athena Constantinou, Founder & CEO, APC Compliance
· Densign White, CEO, International Mixed Martial Arts Federation
· Miguel Gouveia de Brito, Chairman & Founding Partner, TrueClinic
· Mohammed Hanzab, Chairman, International Centre for Sport Security
· Noura Hassan Al Jasmi, President, UAE Badminton Federation
· Roberto Fiore, Managing Partner, LP Avvocati
Ex-Officio Members:
· Emanuel Macedo de Medeiros, SIGA Global CEO
· Anca-Maria Gherghel, Co-Chair, SIGA Youth Council
To meet the gender parity rule consecrated in SIGA’s constitution, the council will now co-opt four additional female members to ensure balanced gender representation.
Ratification of new members
SIGA officially welcomed two new organisations to its global coalition: Chiliz (Malta) and Soul Touchin’ Experiences LLC (USA), both of which bring unique value and alignment with SIGA’s global mission.
Approval of the 2024 annual report of activities
SIGA has rendered accounts on the work performed and achievements made last year, with the approval of the 2024 Annual Report of Activities by its members. The report provides insight into the successful initiatives SIGA has led, the challenges faced, and the milestones achieved as part of its ongoing commitment to advance sport integrity worldwide.
Adoption of the 2025 global strategy, action plan and master calendar of events
The strategic roadmap outlines the key milestones and main objectives and initiatives that will define SIGA’s activity over the next year, including the continued global expansion of Sport Integrity Week – now shifting to a full Sport Integrity Action Month – together with the incorporation of a new continental structure in Asia – SIGA Asia.
Amendments to the SIGA constitution
Several constitutional changes were approved to reflect the evolving nature of the organisation and to enhance governance efficiency.
Review of the SIGA membership model
A full review of the membership structure and categories was shared and approved, paving the way for broader participation, wider engagement and synergies, adding further value to membership and operational capability to accelerate the implementation of SIGA’s reform agenda.
Emanuel Macedo de Medeiros, SIGA Global chief executive officer, said the meeting marked an important milestone in SIGA’s evolution.
“With the unanimous approval of key strategic and governance decisions, our members have clearly reaffirmed their commitment to our mission and endorsed the roadmap proposed by the executive committee. This vote of confidence is both a validation of the work we have done and a green light to accelerate the transformation we are leading across the global sports industry,” de Medeiros said.
“I also welcome the election of our new council and congratulate my fellow elected council members. We have a strong, engaged and diverse group of leaders, fully aligned with SIGA’s reformist vision and committed to drive forward the integrity, transparency and accountability that sport so urgently needs,” he added.
Twentytwo13 is SIGA’s media partner.
