Football is a universal language, a source of pride, and a global platform for unity. Yet, in recent years, racism and discrimination have continued to cast a shadow over the sport, compromising the integrity of the game and alienating individuals who deserve equal respect and opportunity.
These were the words of former England footballer Sol Campbell, who added that racism in football was not only an attack on individuals but a threat to the spirit of respect, unity, and fair play that sports embody.
“My commitment to this fight is rooted in my core belief in sport integrity. Football at its finest is a platform for unity, where every individual is valued, and every fan feels a sense of belonging,” said Campbell.
“Racism, prejudice, and exclusion contradict the very essence of the game and deny individuals the opportunity to fully participate.”
Campbell, together with former footballers Gilberto Silva and Nicola Innocentin, are the latest additions to the Sport Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA) Champions, with their main mission to promote the highest standards of integrity in sports.
This latest addition brings the SIGA Champions group to 23 athletes and coaches.
Silva, who was part of the winning Brazil team at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, said as a former player, and now a dedicated advocate for youth development, he sees first-hand how essential integrity is to every stage of a young athlete’s journey.
“Sport has the unique power to inspire and transform, and it’s our duty to protect it from harm or exploitation.
“Through SIGA and my own initiatives with Striver, I am committed to creating a fun and safe, abuse-free space and promoting education and health, ensuring young people have the opportunity to reach their full potential in an environment grounded in respect and integrity,” he said.
Innocentin, a former professional footballer who is now the international football executive and founder of Global Football Service, added that the wellbeing and safety of athletes are paramount.
“This is especially so when it comes to safeguarding them against health risks like sudden cardiac arrest. With my work at UNBEATABLES, I’m devoted to raising awareness and education on heart health, ensuring athletes receive the support they need.
“As a SIGA Champion, I am committed to bringing health-focused integrity to the forefront, advocating for safe sporting environments that prioritise athletes’ health and foster sustainable growth for the future of sports.”
The induction of the trio was celebrated by current SIGA Champion Louis Saha, a former France international and Manchester United footballer, who emphasised the vital role athletes played in driving positive change in sports.
Emanuel Macedo de Medeiros, SIGA’s global chief executive officer, welcomed the new Champions.
“These exceptional athletes bring not only impressive careers but a profound commitment to sport integrity,” said de Medeiros.
“As SIGA Champions, they will harness their convictions, experiences, and platforms to demonstrate and promote the far-reaching, beneficial outcomes of ensuring sport is played, governed, and operated with the highest levels of integrity.
“Through their interventions, actions, and powerful voices, these Integrity Champions will amplify the pivotal principles that are enshrined in the SIGA mission and vision, and help deliver our vision for sport, ensuring that it is inclusive, accessible, sustainable, and successful.
“We are honoured to have them join our cause at such a pivotal moment for sport integrity,” he added.
